PIXE and GC–MS investigation for the determination of the chemical composition of Syrian Cuminum cyminum L

•To our knowledge, there is no published studies focus on the Syrian cumin composition (neither elemental nor essential oil components) in spite of its valuable medicinal importance in the country.•This work is basically dedicated to investigate both elemental content and essential oil component of the Syrian cumin seeds.•The elemental analysis was performed using PIXE, a very powerful elemental analysis technique and the essential oil components were determined using GC–MS.

The chemical composition and concentration of Syrian cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) were investigated. The particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) analytical technique was used to analyze a wide range of elements from Mg to Sr. The advantages and disadvantages of the PIXE technique in plant material elemental analysis are discussed. A high level of iron was detected in the cumin samples, clarifying the possible contribution of cumin to maintaining the immune system. The contribution of the elements in cumin seeds to the dietary recommended intakes (DRI) of elements was evaluated. Additionally, GC–MS measurements were performed to determine the chemical composition of cumin essential oil. Twenty-one components were identified, and cuminaldehyde, γ-terpinene, o-cymene, limonene and β-pinene were determined to be the major constituents. A correlation between the chemical composition of cumin seeds and their use as a traditional remedy is proposed.