Treatment of curcuma longa (turmeric) contaminated with heavy metals
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Treatment of curcuma longa (turmeric) contaminated with heavy metals
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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Damera. Vineeth, Chinna. Venkateshwar and Syeda. Azeem Unnisa
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: Treatment of curcuma longa (turmeric) contaminated with heavy metals
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Curcuma longa, commonly known as turmeric, is a perennial herb belonging to the Zingiberaceae family and is widely cultivated in Asia, particularly for its medicinal properties and culinary uses. The research focuses on the impact of heavy metal contamination, specifically cadmium, nickel, and chromium, on the plant and explores the potential of calcium hydroxide to remediate this toxicity.
Heavy Metal Contamination and Its Effects
The study investigates the detrimental effects of heavy metals on Curcuma longa, revealing that elevated concentrations of nickel, cadmium, and chromium were found in both the leaf and rhizome when grown in contaminated soil. This contamination can lead to physiological alterations in the plant, making it crucial to assess the presence of these toxic elements.
Calcium Hydroxide as a Remediation Agent
The findings demonstrate that adding 1% calcium hydroxide to soil significantly mitigates heavy metal uptake by Curcuma longa. Plants grown in this treated soil showed reduced concentrations of heavies metals compared to those in untreated contaminated soil. This suggests that calcium hydroxide can effectively act as a barrier, preventing the entry of heavy metals into the plant.
Bioavailability and Plant Health
Interactions between heavy metals and soil properties significantly influence the bioavailability of these contaminants, impacting overall plant health. The study indicates that enhancing soil conditions and altering pH through treatments like calcium hydroxide can improve plant resilience against heavy metal toxicity. Understanding the rhizosphere's role in metal absorption is vital for developing strategies to grow contaminated area plants safely.
Conclusion
The investigation underlines the necessity of monitoring heavy metal levels in medicinal plants like Curcuma longa, emphasizing the importance of applying remediation strategies such as calcium hydroxide treatment to safeguard public health. The research highlights that effective management of heavy metals in agricultural setups is critical in ensuring that medicinal plants are safe for use and consumption.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is Curcuma longa and its medicinal uses?
Curcuma longa, or turmeric, is a perennial herb used in various cuisines and traditional medicine to treat ailments like flatulence, jaundice, menstrual issues, and skin diseases due to its active compound, curcumin, which has significant medicinal properties.
What was the aim of the study on turmeric?
The study aimed to investigate the toxicity of heavy metals in Curcuma longa and explore remediation methods, specifically using calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) to reduce heavy metal concentrations in the plant.
How were the pot culture experiments conducted?
Pot culture experiments involved three treatments: a control (no heavy metals), heavy metal-spiked soil, and soil with 1% calcium hydroxide added. Each treatment was assessed for its impact on the growth and heavy metal concentration in turmeric.
What heavy metals were tested in the study?
The study evaluated the effects of nickel (Ni), cadmium (Cd), and chromium (Cr) on the rhizome and leaf parts of Curcuma longa, comparing concentrations across different treatments to assess remediation efficacy.
How effective was calcium hydroxide in the treatment?
Calcium hydroxide significantly reduced heavy metal concentrations in both the rhizome and leaves of Curcuma longa, indicating its effectiveness as a remediation strategy to mitigate heavy metal toxicity in medicinal plants.
Why should medicinal plants be checked for heavy metal contamination?
Medicinal plants should be evaluated for contaminants to ensure safety and efficacy for human consumption and pharmaceutical use, preventing potential health risks associated with heavy metal exposure from contaminated plant materials.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Treatment of curcuma longa (turmeric) contaminated with heavy metals”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Soil:
Soil is a critical component of the environment in which plants, including Curcuma longa, grow. It serves as the medium for plant roots and is essential for nutrient and water retention. The study examines the impact of soil contaminated with heavy metals and how treatments can improve its quality for agriculture and medicinal plants.
2) Curcuma longa:
Curcuma longa, commonly known as turmeric, is a perennial herb renowned for its medicinal properties. It's extensively cultivated for its rhizome, which contains curcumin, a bioactive compound. The study investigates the effects of heavy metal contamination on this plant's growth and how it can be remediated through soil amendments.
3) Toxicity:
Toxicity refers to the harmful effects of substances, including heavy metals, on living organisms. The study focuses on the toxicity of metals like cadmium, nickel, and chromium, emphasizing their adverse impacts on Curcuma longa. Understanding toxicity is crucial for assessing environmental health and medicinal plant safety.
4) Turmeric:
Turmeric, derived from the rhizome of Curcuma longa, is widely used as a spice and in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, largely attributed to curcumin. The research highlights the challenges of heavy metal contamination in turmeric cultivation and its implications for human health.
5) Botany:
Botany is the scientific study of plants, encompassing their physiology, structure, reproduction, and ecology. This research is rooted in botany, as it investigates plant responses to environmental stressors like heavy metal contamination and explores methods for enhancing plant growth and health through soil treatment.
6) Water:
Water is essential for plant growth and acts as a medium for nutrient transport. In this study, the role of water in facilitating or hindering the uptake of heavy metals from contaminated soil into Curcuma longa is indirectly explored, highlighting its importance in environmental and agricultural contexts.
7) Medicine:
In the context of this study, medicine refers to the use of Curcuma longa in treating various ailments. The research emphasizes the importance of ensuring that medicinal plants are free from heavy metal contamination to maintain their efficacy and safety for human health.
8) Accumulation (Accumulating, Accumulate):
Accumulation refers to the build-up of substances, such as heavy metals, within plant tissues. The study examines how heavy metals accumulate in the rhizome and leaves of Curcuma longa when grown in contaminated soils, which raises concerns about the safety of medicinal plants for consumption.
9) Agriculture:
Agriculture is the practice of cultivating plants and raising livestock. This study highlights the impact of heavy metals on agricultural practices, especially in the cultivation of medicinal plants like Curcuma longa, and explores remediation strategies to protect crops from soil contaminants.
10) Pesticide:
Pesticides are chemicals used to manage pests and protect crops. While the study primarily focuses on heavy metal contamination, the mention of cultivation practices without pesticide involvement highlights a trend towards organic farming methods and the importance of reducing chemical inputs for healthier plants.
11) Science (Scientific):
Science refers to the systematic study of the natural world, which guides this research. The use of scientific methods, such as pot experiments and atomic absorption spectroscopy, establishes the credibility of the findings regarding heavy metals' impact on Curcuma longa and remediation techniques.
12) Discussion:
Discussion in scientific research typically refers to the interpretation of results and implications. In this study, the discussion section is vital for analyzing how heavy metals affect plant health and the effectiveness of calcium hydroxide in mitigating these impacts, providing a comprehensive understanding of the findings.
13) Activity:
Activity, in the context of this study, likely refers to biological activities and responses of Curcuma longa, including growth and metabolic processes affected by heavy metal exposure. It is crucial to assess how these activities are influenced by environmental stressors and treatment methods.
14) Quality:
Quality pertains to the health and safety of the crops produced. This study assesses the quality of Curcuma longa grown in contaminated soil and the importance of remediation to ensure that the plants are safe for medicinal use and consumption.
15) Methane:
Methane is often associated with the decomposition of organic matter and is a potent greenhouse gas. While it isn’t directly addressed in the study, understanding the interactions between soil treatments and microbial activity can provide insights into the broader implications of soil health and environmental stability.
16) Chinna (Chinnā):
Chinna likely refers to one of the authors or researchers involved in the study. Collaboration among authors enhances the credibility and depth of the research, contributing significantly to the exploration of heavy metal toxicity in Curcuma longa and potential remediation strategies.
17) Manure:
Manure is organic matter used as fertilizer to enhance soil fertility. Although the study notes the absence of manure, understanding its potential effects on soil quality and heavy metal dynamics can contribute to broader agricultural practices and the cultivation of medicinal plants.