Content and allocation of nickel, chromium, cobalt, copper and zinc in Teucrium montanum L. from serpentine habitats in Serbia

Abstract

Teucrium montanum L. is a commonly used plant in traditional medicine throughout the Balkan Peninsula. Populations on various geological bedrocks, including serpentine, are included in its distribution. Due to antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer and other properties, it has been the focus of many pharmacological studies in the past few decades. The economic potential of intensive production and usage of T. montanum draws attention to defining its phytochemical components and pharmacological activity. Serpentine soils are known for elevated heavy metal load; therefore they may pose a threat that can compromise the mineral content in various organs of this healing plant. To preview the state of two serpentine populations of this species we sampled and scanned
their roots, stems and leaves for Ni, Cr, Co, Cu, and Zn. Our results indicate that the sampled populations did not show elevated levels of these metals, and can be considered safe for use. This is a good and supporting result for this medicinal plant which is already widely used as a popular healing herb. Because mineral composition and soil conditions that govern metal mobility vary greatly in soils, metal accumulation can still reach potentially hazardous levels. Therefore precautionary measures of in situ checkups are strongly encouraged so that safe healing extracts of this plant can be produced.