Evaluation of inorganic elements in cat’s claw teas using ICP OES and GF AAS

•Analysis of inorganic constituents in plants by ICP OES and GF AAS is developed.•Ba, Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, P, Pb, Se and Zn are determined in eleven plant samples.•Teas were prepared by two methods (infusion and decoction).•Estimated intake of elements in teas compared with the daily recommended intake was assessed.

The determination of Ba, Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, P, Pb, and Zn by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES), and Se by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GF AAS), has been carried out in dry matter and teas from 11 samples of the cat’s claw plant. The accuracy and precision values were verified against GBW 07604 (Poplar leaves) certified reference material and by the recovery test. Results showed a high content of Ca in the medicinal plant studied, followed by Mg and P. The values obtained showed that the elements studied have different concentrations depending on the method of tea preparation. The highest levels were observed in Ca and Mg, and the lowest for Se and Pb, by both infusion and decoction. Teas prepared from this plant were found to be at safe levels for human consumption, and may be suitable as sources of these elements in the human diet.