Objective: To investigate the content of total carbonates, total hydroxides and mineral elements in a Kazakh herbal medicine Sahar( an alkaline substance obtained from plant ashes).
Methods: Total carbonates and total hydroxides were quantified by using the method which described in GB / T 2306-2008[National standard chemical reagents( potassium carbonate) ]. Besides, The contents of ten mineral elements( potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, manganese, copper,selenium and aluminium) were also measured by using the methods which described in national standards such as GB / T 5009. 91-2003( Determination of potassium and sodium in foods),GB / T 5009. 92-2003( Determination of calcium in foods),GB / T 5009. 90-2003( Determination of iron, magnesium and manganese in foods),GB / T 5009. 14-2003( Determination of zinc in foods),GB / T 5009. 13-2003( Determination of copper in foods),GB / T5009. 93-2003( Determination of selenium in foods),GB / T 23374-2009( Determination of aluminium in foods-Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry),respectively.
Results: The experimental datas indicated that the average contents of total hydroxides and total carbonates in Sahar from Haloxylon persicum were 23. 19% and 29. 83%,whereas those in Sahar from Chenopodium glaucum were 24. 42%and 43. 30%,respectively. Qualitative analysis revealed the presence of iron and magnesium. Quantitative analysis showed that in both Sahars the sodium and potassium were the most abundant, and calcium, iron and aluminum were followed by.
Conclusion: The results will provide scientific basis for the establishment of quality standard for Sahar.