title: Characterization of trace elements in Casearia medicinal plant by neutron activation analysis.
abstract: Leaves of Casearia sylvestris, Casearia decandra and Casearia obliqua plant species, collected at the Atlantic Forest in Brazil, were analyzed by using instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA). Short and long irradiations using thermal neutron flux of the IEA-R1 nuclear reactor were carried out for these analyses. Concentrations of Ca, K and Mg were found in these samples at the percentage levels, Br, Cl, Fe, Mn, Na, Rb and Zn at the microg g(-1) levels and Co, Cr, Cs, La, and Sc at the microg kg(-1) levels. Comparisons were made among the element concentrations obtained in these three Casearia species and significant differences were found for the elements Cl, Co, Cs, Cr, La, Mn, Na and Sc. The precision and the accuracy of the results were evaluated by analyzing the certified reference materials NIST-1515 Apple Leaves and NIST-1573a Tomato Leaves.
authors.affiliation: Neutron Activation Analysis Laboratory, IPEN-CNEN/SP, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes 2242, CEP 05508-000, São Paulo, SP, Brazil. celina@curiango.ipen.br
authors.forename: C I
authors.initials: CI
authors.lastname: Yamashita
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Saiki
authors.forename: M B A
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Vasconcellos
authors.forename: J A A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Sertié
mesh_terms: D037821:Casearia / Q000737:chemistry*; D009501:Neutron Activation Analysis; D018515:Plant Leaves / Q000737:chemistry; D010946:Plants, Medicinal / Q000737:chemistry*; D014131:Trace Elements / Q000032:analysis*
chemical_list: D014131:Trace Elements