Heavy Metal Content Test on Ethanol Extract of Mango Mistletoe Leaf (Dendrophthoe pentandra (L.) Miq) Using the AAS Method

Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science, Universitas Islam Malang, Malang, East Java, Indonesia

¹ Corresponding author: Nour Athiroh AS, e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract

Living organisms require specific levels of heavy metals. However, excessive exposure to heavy metals, which accumulate in plants over time, can damage cells and organs. Due to these harmful effects, heavy metal toxicity has become a significant concern. In this context, as part of the development of mango mistletoe leaf herbal products, this study aims to measure the concentrations of Pb, Cu, Fe, Zn, and Cr in mango mistletoe leaf extracts using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). This technique detects heavy metals based on their unique absorption of electromagnetic radiation at specific wavelengths. To conduct this analysis, samples were prepared by wet destruction with HNO₃ and HCl (1:3), followed by digestion at 150°C to isolate the atoms. The results showed average concentrations of Pb (0.615 ± 0.045 mg/kg), Cu (0.168 ± 0.007 mg/kg), Fe (0.492 ± 0.063 mg/kg), Zn (0.243 ± 0.010 mg/kg), and Cr (0.156 ± 0.011 mg/kg). Notably, the highest average was for Pb (0.615 ± 0.045 mg/kg), followed by Fe (0.492 ± 0.063 mg/kg) and then Zn (0.243 ± 0.010 mg/kg). In conclusion, the herbal tea made from mistletoe leaves remains within the safety limits set by the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency.