Evaluation of trace element contents in Swertia paniculata Wall.

Important mineral elements (Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Co, Na, K, Ca and Li) were determined in the leaves and roots of Swertia paniculata collected from three different altitudes in three seasons using atomic absorption spectroscopy. The highest concentrations of Zn, Cu, Mn, Fe, Co, Na, K, Ca and Li were found to be 193.0 ± 5.6, 26.0 ± 7.6, 303.0 ± 8.5, 1507.0 ± 2.5, 88.0 ± 1.2, 345.0 ± 1.2, 11622.0 ± 6.4, 3461.0 ± 3.5 and 48.0 ± 4.5 mg kg(-1), respectively. The overall concentration of K was found to be the highest, whereas the level of Cu was the lowest. The concentrations of Cu and Li were quite low in all samples, whereas Zn, Mn, Co and Na were found in moderate concentration and K, Ca and Fe were found in very high concentrations in all the samples tested.