Mineral content of medicinal plants used in the treatment of diseases resulting from urinary tract disorders

Elemental composition of some Ayurvedic medicinal plants used for healing urinary tract disorders has been studied by nondestructive neutron activation analysis with a 252Cf source and atomic absorption spectroscopy. In total, 14 elements have been estimated in different plants; among these Cu, Cr, Co and Cd are found to be present at the trace level; Mn, Pb, Zn, Ni, Na, Fe and Hg at minor level and K, Ca and Cl at major level. The differences in the concentration of the elements are attributed to soil composition and the climate in which the plant grows. The importance of some elements in diseases related to renal disorders is also briefly discussed.