To Örebro University

Hawthorn is one of the most commonly used European and North American phytopharmaceuticals. Because there is no information on metals in seeds, and only rare data for leaves and flowers, the aim of the present study was elemental analysis of the white hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) by inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) or inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) after digestion in a microwave-assisted system. The limits of detection are below 2 mu g/g for ICP-AES and 0.5 mu g/g for ICP-MS. Hawthorn leaves and flowers contain essential elements at concentrations (mean values, RSD 28%) in mg/g of Ca, 1-4; K, 4-5; Mg, 1-2; and Na, <0.2); and at mu g/g levels of Ba, 1-10; Co, <0.16; Cr, <1.4; Cu, 0.607; Fe, 1037; Li, <0.5; Mn, 1013; Mo, <0.17; Ni, <0.6; Sr, 0.202; and Zn, 1031. Toxic elements were found in low quantities: As (<0.04), Cd (0.0400.1), and Pb (0.1-2). Up to 10% of the metals is extracted into the infusions. The analyzed plant parts and infusions contain essential elements justifying its use as a medicinal plant, whereas the low quantities of harmful elements will not pose any risk to humans when consumed.