Novel neutron activation analysis scheme for determination of trace elements in medical plants infusion

This work is concerned with the development of a simple and accurate procedure for trace elements determination in medical plants infusion using neutron activation analysis. The developed scheme involves irradiation of the herbs before immersion into boiled water and then measuring the induced radioactivities transferred from the solid herb to the infusion using HPGe. The measured radioactivity is then interpreted in term of concentration levels and elements extraction percentage. Results were corrected for geometry and γ-ray attenuation effects using Monte Carlo simulation. The effect of irradiation dose on the extraction process was evaluated. The developed method proved its efficiency and capability for evaluation of the daily intake of elements reach our body through consumption of medical plants