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Determination of Macro- and Microelement Composition in Alhagi maurorum Using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)
* 1 , 2
1  Department of “Technology of food products”, Shakhrisabz Branch of Tashkent Institute of Chemical Technology, 20, Shahrisabz str., Shakhrisabz 181306, Uzbekistan;
2  Department of “Chemical Engineering and Quality Management”, Shakhrisabz Branch of Tashkent Institute of Chemical Technology, 20, Shahrisabz str., Shakhrisabz 181306, Uzbekistan;
Academic Editor: Takahito Ohshiro

Abstract:

Alhagi maurorum, a plant species widely distributed in the arid regions of Uzbekistan, is known for its diverse therapeutic properties. Understanding its elemental composition is essential for assessing its nutritional value and potential medicinal applications. This study aims to quantify the macro and microelements present in various parts of Alhagi maurorum, specifically seeds and leaves, collected from the Qashqadaryo and Xorazm regions. The focus is on elements critical to human health, such as calcium, magnesium, sodium, and iron. Elemental analysis was conducted using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Samples of Alhagi maurorum seeds and leaves were collected, dried, and digested in a microwave system with nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide. The digested solutions were analyzed using ICP-MS to determine the concentrations of 61 elements. Standard calibration and control samples were used to ensure accuracy and precision during the analysis. The study found significant variations in the concentrations of macroelements between the seeds and leaves. Calcium was found in the highest concentration in the leaves (100,000 mg/kg), while magnesium and sodium also showed elevated levels, with concentrations up to 14,000 mg/kg and 4,200 mg/kg, respectively. Trace elements such as scandium, lithium, and cobalt were present in lower concentrations, generally below 0.5 mg/kg. Samples from the Xorazm region exhibited higher levels of iron, reaching up to 1,558 mg/kg. This study highlights the rich elemental composition of Alhagi maurorum, particularly its high calcium and magnesium content in the leaves, which may have implications for its use in nutritional supplements or pharmaceuticals. The regional differences in elemental concentrations suggest that environmental factors influence the uptake of these elements. ICP-MS proved to be an effective method for the precise quantification of both macro- and microelements in plant matrices.

Keywords: Alhagi maurorum; ICP-MS; Macroelement analysis; Microelement analysis; Plant composition; Nutritional supplements;
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