Determination of macro, micro, trace essential, and toxic elements in Garcinia cambogia fruit and its anti-obesity commercial products.

BACKGROUND

The species of Garcinia (Clusiaceae) are traditionally used as flavouring agents in curries and to cure several human health complications. This study investigated the contents of thirty-one macro, micro, and trace elements in microwave assisted digested samples of Garcinia cambogia fruit and its anti-obesity commercial products by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and ICP-mass spectrometric (ICP-MS) techniques. The methods were also validated using the parameters of coefficient of determinations (R2 ), limits of detection and quantification (LOD, LOQ), precision (CV%), analysis of certified reference materials, spiking recovery experiments, and participation in accredited laboratory proficiency test organized by Food Analysis Performance Assessment Scheme (FAPAS).

RESULTS

In quality assurance, the values of applied parameters confirmed that the methods are well efficient and in accordance to the criteria set by the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC). In elemental analysis, the analyzed macro, micro and trace essential elements were present in appreciable concentrations, which can meet the human nutritional requirements. Furthermore, the contents of analyzed trace toxic elements were within the safe limits.

CONCLUSIONS

From the results of the current study, the analyzed fruit and its commercial products could be considered potential sources of mineral elements without posing any threats to consumers. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.