Heavy Metals Content in Selected Medicinal Plants Commonly Used asComponents for Herbal Formulations

For the majority of the world population medicinal plants represent the primary source of the health care. thereforedetermining the content of heavy metals, accumulated in medicinal plants, is of high importance. thus, the purpose ofthis research was to evaluate the content of heavy metals and two metalloids in selected medicinal plants (Matricariachamomilla L., Melissa officinalis L., Mentha piperita L. and Foeniculum vulgare Mill.), that are traditionally used inalternative medicine. The plant materials were collected in a highly industrialized town (Pančevo). Plant analyses weredone according to ICP methodology. the obtained results show that the contents of the potentially toxic elements in theinvestigated medicinal plant species were below the recommended limits and those medicinal plants from the studiedgrowing site are suitable for preparation of teas and medicinal extracts.