Abstract

Calamintha incana (C. incana) is widely used in Palestine as a medicinal tea, traditionally valued for its therapeutic properties and aromatic essential oils. The region’s diverse topography and rich biodiversity contribute to the plant’s unique phytochemical and elemental composition. While the essential oils of C. incana have been previously studied, its inorganic profile remains less explored. This study investigates the metal content in the leaves of wild C. incana collected from various regions in Palestine using inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Eighteen elements were detected in dried leaf samples, including macro elements (Ca, K, Mg, Na), essential trace elements (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Mo, Ni), and potentially toxic metals (Al, Cd, Cr, Co, Ag, Ba). High concentrations of calcium (17,226–22,001 ppm), potassium (4,609–17,435 ppm), and magnesium (2,160–4,100 ppm) were observed. Notably, aluminum levels were elevated in six samples (513.9–1,111 ppm), while toxic metals such as Co, Cd, Ni, and Cr were present in lower concentrations. These findings contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of C. incana’s chemical profile, highlighting its potential nutritional and toxicological implications in traditional medicinal use.

Keywords

Calamintha incana, medicinal plants, ICP-OES, metal content, herbal tea