Macro- and micro-nutrients and their bioavailability in polish herbal medicaments

Several polish herbal medicaments were studied to determine trace elements and their bioavailable forms by the use of the ICP-AES method. The contents of Al, B, Ba, Bi, Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Ni, P, Pb, Se, Si, Ti, V and Zn were determined. The total concentrations were measured in samples mineralised with concentrated nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide in a microwave system. The one-step extraction was applied, using, as extractants: deionised water, diluted hydrochloric acid and buffer solution containing pepsin. Efficiencies of the leaching versus time were investigated. The extraction efficiencies were analysed, taking into account bioavailability of elements under conditions simulating digestion processes in the alimentary system. The contents of the examined elements in prescribed amounts of medication, were compared to the nutritional requirements and daily permissible dose. The results are considered in terms of the utility of the natural herbal medicaments as a source of minerals indispensable for proper functioning of the human organism. Some points of merit (precision of measurements, accuracy by Standard Reference Material analysis) are also considered.