Pilot Study of Trace Elements in the Infusion of Medicinal Plants Used for Diabetes Treatment.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate trace element contents in different medicinal plants used for diabetes treatments by residents in Asir region. Five medicinal plants-Tut leaves (), olive leaves (), clove (), Luban Dhakar (), and Karela or bitter melon ()-were collected from two cities, Khamis Mushait and Abha, in the Asir region, Saudi Arabia. Infusions (hot water extracts) were obtained from each plant, and elemental analysis was conducted using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Fourteen elements (Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Sr, Cd, Ba, and Pb) were measured in all plants. The results revealed that the fourteen elements were present at different levels (µg/g) in all plants. exhibited high levels of essential (Mn (251.4), Co (1.18), Cu (54.64), and Se (2.18)) and toxic elements (Al (39.20), As (0.57), Cd (0.33), and Pb (4.48)), followed by (Mn (736.36)) and (Pb (0.93)), which exceeded the PMTDI in traditional doses used for diabetes treatments. However, and did not exceed the daily guideline values for all elements. Based on our findings, we cautiously recommend the latter two plants for the traditional treatment of diabetes, because they are not considered as source of harm based on their levels of elements. Their use should be restricted by comprehensive compound analysis to guarantee their safe use.