Multi-element determination in medicinal Juniper tree (Juniperus phoenicea) by instrumental neutron activation analysis

Red Juniper (Juniperus phoenicea), a local medicinal tree was collected and analyzed for 18 essential, non-essential and toxic elements using instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA). The GBW 07605 (GSV-4) standard reference material was analyzed simultaneously with the plant samples, the results shown a good recovery and reproducibility of the method. Ca, K and Fe have been detected in good levels in this plant clarifying their possible contribution to curative properties. The data obtained in the present work will be helpful in the synthesis of new synthetic drugs which can be used for medicinal purpose.