Analysis of metal content in Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia Linn.) cultivated in Kaloi, Tharparkar, Sindh, Pakistan

Abstract

In the present study, the metal content of different parts of Momordica charantia L. (bitter gourd), a widely used medicinal plant, was analyzed to assess its potential as both a source of essential minerals and a carrier of toxic metals. ICP-OES was used to determine the concentration of 22 metals in the root, stem, leaf, fruit, and seed of the plant. The results indicated high concentrations of Ca, K, and Fe, which are beneficial to human health. The root contained the highest concentration of Ca (2896.67 mg/kg), while the leaf had the highest concentration of K (575.75 mg/kg). However, toxic metals such as As, Cd, and Pb were found at levels exceeding FAO/WHO safety limits (0.5, 0.2, and 0.3 mg/kg, respectively). Specifically, As was detected at 1.371 mg/kg in the leaf and 0.784 mg/kg in the seed, Cd at 0.222 mg/kg in the root, and Pb at 7.52 mg/kg in the seed, far exceeding permissible concentrations. Moreover, Ni concentration was highest in the root (48.57 mg/kg), while Hg levels were below the regulatory limit but still pose a potential risk of neurological impairment. These findings underscore the dual role of M. charantia as both a valuable source of essential nutrients and a potential health hazard due to heavy metal contamination. Given its widespread use for nutritional and medicinal purposes, there is an urgent need for environmental monitoring and agricultural safety measures, particularly in regions like Tharparkar, to prevent heavy metal accumulation in medicinal plants and safeguard public health.