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Article Open Access http://dx.doi.org/10.26855/ea.2022.12.001

Determination of the Metals Contents of Essential Oil from Lemongrass

Samson Onoriode Okpo1, Ifeanyichukwu Edeh2,*

1Department of Chemical Engineering, Delta State University of Science & Technology, Ozoro, Delta State, Nigeria.

2Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.

*Corresponding author: Ifeanyichukwu Edeh

Published: August 3,2022

Abstract

Lemongrass is reportedly been used in some parts of Nigeria for the treatment of fever, convulsion in children, throat inflammations, stomach upset, skin diseases, and ears/eyes infections, pepper soup ingredient, curries, and in preparation of local drinks. Based on this, there is need to assess the metal contents as excess consumption of lemongrass oil or prolong exposure to them could be injurious to health. In this work, lemongrass oil was extracted using Soxhlet apparatuses and its metal contents analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The results obtained were compared with those from similar works from literature and acceptable level in medicinal plants by WHO. The results showed presence of the following metallic elements and their respective concentrations: magnesium (14.159 mg/kg), lead (1.379 mg/kg), zinc (0.844mg/kg), mercury (0.728 mg/kg), chromium (0.530 mg/kg), copper (0.267 mg/kg), iron (0.167 mg/kg), cadmium (0.080 mg/kg), manganese (0.009) and arsenic (no trace). The metal composition is appreciable and tolerable as indicated by the WHO standards except for mercury. Therefore, the concentration of the metals should be constantly monitored to ensure safety of those that consume or apply the lemongrass, and excessive consumption should be avoided in order to prevent associated health challenges such as neuropathy, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and cancer.

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How to cite this paper

Determination of the Metals Contents of Essential Oil from Lemongrass

How to cite this paper: Samson Onoriode Okpo, Ifeanyichukwu Edeh. (2022). Determination of the Metals Contents of Essential Oil from Lemongrass. Engineering Advances2(2), 141-146.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.26855/ea.2022.12.001