Heavy Metals Dertermination in Medicinal Plant Withania somnifera growing in Various Areas of Peshawar, NWFP, Pakistan

Heavy metals like Cd. Cr, Fe, Zn, Mn, Ni and Cu were analyzed in the medicinal plant withania somnifera (Ashwangandha) as well as in the soil where the plant was grown. The plants samples were collected from three different places i.e polluted, and unpolluted areas of Peshawar. The plant parts including roots, stem, leaves and seeds of polluted area were found to have more heavy metals than less polluted and unpolluted areas. The aim of the study was to make awareness among the people about the use of such medicinal plants containing high level of heavy metals.