Comparison of heavy metals, secondary metabolites, and total polyphenols in hypericum perforatum l. and althaea officinalis L

Hypericum perforatum L. and Althaea officinalis L. are medicinal plants of interest to the pharmaceutical, health, and food industry, as well as the study of their chemical composition is very important to evaluate the most influential components against their importance in the treatment of diseases. The purpose of this study was the comparison of the secondary metabolites, heavy metals, and total polyphenols. The heavy metals are determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The obtained extracts were analyzed using Gas Chromatography Flame Ionization Detector. Based on the result, it can be seen that the element that has the most difference in value is lead and cadmium, respectively 0.2025 mg/kg (Pb) and 0.375 mg/kg (Cd) for H. perforatum L.;0.41 mg/kg (Pb) and 0.142 mg/kg for A.officinalis L. The compounds that have the most differences compared to Hypericum perforatum L. and Althaea officinalis L. extracts are: Tricyclene (26.706%; 0.142%); alpha-Pinene (15.613%; 0.044%); beta-Pinene (2.262%; 0.132%); cis-beta-Terpineol (0.826%; 0.334%); Caryophyllene-E (9.398%; 11.122%); alpha-Humulene (5.920%; 10.480%); and Ledol (0.674%; 1.356%).  The total polyphenol (TP) content of Hypericum perforatum L. is 7.25% (w/w) Gallic acid and 0.56% (w/w) Gallic acid  for Althaea officinalis L.. As we mentioned, H. perforatum L. has a higher level of total polyphenols. Our results demonstrated that the two medicinal plants had a variety of chemical compounds with promising qualities that could lead to in-depth investigation into their possible uses in cosmetic and pharmaceutical fields. Further trials pertaining to the application of these two medicinal plants’ essential oils and extracts may originate from this research.