Soil Elemental Profiling and its Influence on the Mineral Potential of Andrographis paniculata (Burm. F.) Nees across Six Districts in Odisha, India
Abstract
Introduction: Soil composition plays an important role in determining the phytochemical constituents there by the therapeutic efficiency of medicinal plants. In this work a comparative analysis of soil elemental profiles collected from six villages of six districts of Odisha like Balangir, Dhenkanal, Khordha, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur and Puri districts were carried out to estimate their influence on the elemental contents of a widely used medicinal plant Andrographis paniculata, which serves a significant position in Ayurveda as a traditional medicine. This plant is known for its anti-inflammatory, hepato-protective and source of anti-cancerous properties because of presence of the compound andrographolide. Methods: Soil samples and A. paniculata leaves were collected and analysed to evaluate the elemental composition, specifically the micro elements, trace elements and heavy metal contaminants X-ray florescence (XRF) spectroscopic analysis. Results: This study reveals no statistically significant overall correlation between the elemental contents of soil and leaves of A. paniculata collected from the area. Conclusion: This comparative soil mineral profiling and mineral content in A. paniculata leaf across six districts highlights distinct variations in nutrient availability, nutrient accumulation and heavy metal contamination. There is no significant influence on the mineral content of A. paniculata in relation with soil mineral content, but still this study will serve as a useful foundation for future research and sustainable cultivation.
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