Levels of minerals and trace elements in leaves of cultivated “Long leaf morphotypes“ of Lippia multiflora and their transfer to infusions

Lippia multiflora Moldenke leaves are used for the preparation of tea infusions in traditional medicine. In this study, the mineral composition of the leaves of the long-leaf morphotype of Lippia multiflora, collected from different cities of Ivory Coast, and their infusions were determined by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). The results showed that calcium (8231.17±0.5-10823.66±0.02 mg.kg-1), potassium (2740.00±0.2-7949.87±0.41 mg.kg-1), magnesium (3414.33±0.15-4731.00±0.15 mg.kg-1) and sodium (1046.76±0.45-1190.33±0.4 mg.kg-1) were the most predominant macroelements in the leaves, compared to the microelements Fe (62.50±0.0-142.00±0.0 mg.  kg-1), Mn (21.67±0.0-54.33±0.02 mg.kg-1), Zn (30.17±0.00-41.33±0.00 mg.kg-1) and Cu (16±0.00-32.17±0.0 mg.kg-1). In the infusions, the order of magnitude of the minerals was: Na > K > Ca > Mg > P > Zn > Mn > Cu > Fe. However, the mineral contents of the infusions were very low compared to their respective daily doses recommended by the World Health Organization; thus demonstrating a safe consumption of this herbal tea.