The content of macronutrients in the raw material of medicinal plants cultivated in the North-West of the Russian Federation

Introduction. Macronutrients play an important role in the activity of herbal medicines. Since the daily dose of medicinal raw plant materials that contain no poisonous or potent biologically active substances is quite high (up to 10-20 g), these can be considered as a source of essential macronutrients, calcium, potassium, sodium, and magnesium in particular. Objective: to investigate whether the raw materials of medicinal plants cultivated in the North-West of the Russian Federation can be used as a source of vital macronutrients. Material and methods. The investigation objects were raw materials of 19 species of medicinal plants from the collection garden of the Saint Petersburg State Chemicopharmaceutical University, which contain various groups of biologically active substances (essential oils, flavonoids, polysaccharides, coumarins, carotenoids, and anthracene derivatives). The content of calcium, potassium, sodium, and magnesium in the plant raw materials was estimated by atomic emission spectrometry. Results. Comparison of the findings with the adequate level of consumption of macronutrients has shown that garden sage (Salvia officinalis) leaves can be considered as a source of calcium; marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) herb can be a source of potassium; and milky iris (Iris lactea) herb is a source of magnesium for humans. Conclusion. The sufficiently high concentrations of calcium, potassium, sodium, and magnesium in the investigated types of raw materials allow them to be considered as a potential source for the correction of macronutrient deficiency.

medicinal plant raw materials, North-West of the Russian Federation, macroelements