Mineral study of Phoenix dactylifera L. leaves by inductively fixed plasma optical discharge spectroscopy

Abstract

Phoenix dactylifera L. (date palm) is well known for its innumerable health benefits and nutritional 
values. However, utilization of leaves as a source of element supplement has not been yet explored. 
Thus, the present study was aimed to employ inductively coupled plasma optical emission 
spectroscopy (ICP-OES) for the determination of macro and micro nutrients present in the leaves of 
three varieties (Rothana, Barhee and Sukri) of P. dactylifera. The results revealed that the date palm 
leaves, depending upon the variety contain significant but quite variable amounts of macro as well as 
micro elements. Varieties Barhee, Sukri and Rothana had calcium in abundance while var. Sukri and 
Barhee also had significantly high level of potassium (K). Positive correlation was observed between 
sodium (Na) and K (r = 0.868), iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) (r = 0.945) in var. Barhee, Sukri and Rothana. Thus, 
it may be concluded that date palm leaves of three varieties of P. dactylifera have the potential to 
provide significant level of essential nutrients to human beings and thus, can cure various diseases.