Abstract: Presence of lead and cadmium in sorrel have been reported in other parts of the world. This study sought to explore presence as applicable to local grown and consumption of traditional red variety as samples were grown in mined bauxite rich soils reported to have these cumulative toxins. Seeds had higher concentrations of cadmium; leaves had higher concentrations of lead. All samples had trace amounts of lead and cadmium. While the heavy metals reported in earlier studies (iron, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and copper) could enhance human health, the potential toxicological effect of lead and cadmium present in known consumable portions of plant recommend moderate consumptions, modern methods to grow void of these toxins, or possible isolation of nutraceutic compounds to gain maximum health benefits. Cyanidin and delphinidin for example were reported to inhibit epidermal growth factor receptor in cancer cells, both of which were reported present in sorrel calyxes. Sorrel calyxes and leaves extracts were reported effective against cancers. The presence of these anthocyanins and their reported effect on cancerous cells underscores the plants nutraceutic potentials, whilst presence of lead and cadmium urge caution.
Keywords: Sorrel, Nutraceutical, Extract, Heavy Metals, Anthocyanins.
Title: DETERMINATION OF LEAD AND CADMIUM IN HIBISCUS SABDARIFFA (CALYXES, SEEDS, AND LEAVES), GROWN IN JAMAICA’S MINED BAUXITE RICH SOIL
Author: D. A. Chambers, P. A. Gyles
International Journal of Life Sciences Research
ISSN 2348-313X (Print), ISSN 2348-3148 (online)
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