A Quantitative Approach to Estimate both Essential and Non-essential Elements in Some Commercial Samples of Triphala churna by using WD-XRF Spectrometry

Introduction: The need for quality control of herbal drugs is in demand in order to ensure the purity, safety and efficacy of herbal products. A total of 19 elements including essential and non-essential elements were characterized in five commercial samples of Triphala churna using WD-XRF spectrometry. Method: The WD-XRF method was validated for each element by a pre-calibrated program using five Chinese certified reference materials of vegetable standards (NCS ZC73012, NCS ZC73013, NCS ZC73017, NCS ZC85006 and NCS DC73348). Results: The following elements were detected in all the samples out of 19 elements tested with increasing order of concentrations (mg/kg): Cr (3) < Cu (7) < Ba (24) < Zn (31) < Pb (46) < Mn (57) < S (700) < Na (1064) < Mg (1250) < Fe (1329) < P (1400) < Cl (2960) < Ca (3110) < Si (4350) < K (15130). Lead (41-46 mg/kg), a nonessential element was found above its PDE limit (≤ 10 mg/kg). Conclusion: WD-XRF method was found simple, rapid, reliable and non-destructive technique to investigate the elemental concentrations in herbal drugs.