Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Piper methysticum, also known as Awa or Kava, is a plant native to the Pacific islands and is traditionally used for its medicinal and psychoactive properties. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the trace-element composition of the leaf extract of Piper methysticum to better understand its potential health benefits and toxicological implications. The trace-element composition of the leaf extract was analyzed using various analytical techniques including atomic absorption spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The results revealed the presence of essential trace elements such as zinc, copper, and manganese, which are known to play crucial roles in various physiological processes in the human body. Additionally, the presence of potentially toxic elements such as lead and cadmium was also detected, albeit at low concentrations. The findings suggest that the leaf extract of Piper methysticum contains a diverse array of trace elements that may contribute to its pharmacological effects. Furthermore, the study investigated the potential health risks associated with the consumption of Piper methysticum leaf extract due to the presence of trace elements. The levels of toxic elements detected were below the acceptable daily intake limits set by regulatory authorities, indicating that the consumption of the leaf extract is unlikely to pose significant health risks when used in moderation. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the trace-element composition of the leaf extract of Piper methysticum and highlights the importance of considering trace elements in the evaluation of the health benefits and potential risks associated with the use of traditional herbal remedies. Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the pharmacological effects of the trace elements present in Piper methysticum and to establish safe consumption guidelines for this plant extract.

Thesis Overview

INTRODUCTION1.1 HerbsAn herb is a plant that is valued for flavor, scent, medicinal or other qualities other than its food value (John, 2000). They are used in cooking, as medicines, and for spiritual purposes. Herbs have a variety of uses including culinary and medicinal usage. General usage differs between culinary herbs and medicinal herbs (John, 2000). Herbs are -generally recognized as safe” by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA), at least at concentrations commonly found in foods (Kaefer et al, 2008). Medicinal plants continue to provide valuable therapeutic agents, both in modern medicine and in traditional system (Reaven, 1983). The leaves, roots, flowers, seeds, root bark, inner bark (cambium), berries and sometimes the pericarp or other portions of the plant might be considered in medicinal or spiritual use (John, 2000). In the medicinal uses, herbs (plants) contain phytochemicals that have effects on the body (John, 2000).Until the 20th century, (Sanusi et al, 2008) most medicinal remedies all over the world were obtained from plants. For example, purple forglove was found to be helpful in dropsy, the opium poppy for pain, cough, and diarrhea, and the cinchona bark for fever. With the emergence of chemical and pharmacological methods in the 20th century, it became possible to identify the active ingredients in the plants and study them. Furthermore, once the chemistry was understood, it was possible to synthesize related molecules with more desirable properties. According to (Sodimu et al, 2008), today, the two most effective and widely accepted drugs for the treatment of malaria today emerged through herbal traditional medicine viz: Quinine from the bark of the Peruvian cinchona tree and artemisinin from the Chinese antipyretic Artemisia annua L. Hence, throughout history, the medicinal benefits of herbs are quoted (John, 2000). There may be some effects when consumed in the small levels that typify culinary -spicing”, and some herbs are toxic in larger quantities. For instance, some types of herbal extract, such as the extract of St. John’s-wort (Hypericum perforatum) or of awa (Piper methysticum) can be used for medical purposes to relieve depression and stress (John, 2000). However, (Milner et al, 2008), large amounts of these herbs may lead to toxic overload that may involve complications, some of a serious nature, and should be used with caution. One herb-like substance, called Shilajit, may actually help a lower blood glucose level which is especially important for those suffering from diabetes.In comparative terms, (Metuh, 1987) the western idea of medicine and the traditional African conception differ in scope. In the traditional sense, it refers to a wholistic view of well being, while in the western sense, it is strictly limited to bodily therapeutic purposes. Nze in his own comparative analysis of medicine underscores the peculiarity difference, which defines the traditional wholistic perception of medicine (Metuh, 1987).According to (John, 2000), modern pharmaceuticals had their origins in crude herbal medicines, and to this day, many drugs are still extracted as fractionate/isolate compounds from raw herbs and then purified to meet pharmaceutical standards. Some herbs are used not only for culinary and medicinal purposes, but also for psychoactive and/or recreational purposes; one such herb is cannabis (John, 2000).However, many herbs and their bioactive components are being investigated for potential disease prevention and treatment at concentrations which may exceed those commonly used in food preparation herbs (Milner et al, 2008). It is therefore imperative to identify any potential safety concerns associated with the use of various dosages which range from doses commonly used for culinary purposes to those used for medicinal purposes since there are often unclear boundaries between the various uses of herbs (Milner et al, 2008).Other uses of herbs other than medicinal uses are:Sacred uses:According to -Chinese herbal medicine” Herbs are used in many religions for example, myrrh (Commiphora myrrha) and frankincense (Boswellia spp) in Christianity, the Nine Herbs Charm in Anglo-Saxon paganism, the Neem tree (Azadirachta indica) by the Tamils, holy basil or tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum) in Hinduism, and many Rastafarians consider cannabis (Cannabis sp) to be a holy plant (John, 2000). Siberian Shamans also used herbs for spiritual purposes. Plants may be used to induce spiritual experiences, such as vision quests in some Native American cultures (John, 2000). The Cherokee Native Americans use sage and cedar for spiritual cleansing and smudging.Uses as pest control:Herbs are also known amongst gardeners to be useful for pest control. Mint, spearmint, peppermint, and pennyroyal are a few such herbs. These herbs when planted around a house’s foundation can help keep unwanted critters away such as flies, mice, ants, fleas, moth and tick amongst others. They are not known to be harmful or dangerous to children or pets, or any of the house’s fixtures (John, 2000).1.2 Objectives of studyPiper methysticum being a plant used for its medical and social purposes (Johnston et al, 2008), may have been of great benefits in human health due to its biochemical, pharmacological, and medical properties. This study, therefore, was undertaken to evaluate the trace - element composition of the leaf extract.REFERENCESBilia, A.R., Gallori, S. and Vincieri, F. (2002). Kava-kava and anxiety: growing knowledge about the efficacy and safety. 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