Elemental Characterization of Shea Tree (Butyrospermum Parkii Linn) In Igbope Town of Oyo State, Using Particle Induced X-Ray Emission

The Shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa), widely known for its valuable butter-rich seeds, also plays a significant role in traditional oral hygiene practices across at least eighteen countries across West Africa. The stem and root of the tree are also process into natural chewing sticks for brushing the human being teeth. This study conducted an elemental characterization of the stem and root of the Shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa) collected from Igbope town in Oyo State, Nigeria. Trace, minor, and major elements in the samples were analyzed using a 2.5 MeV proton Ion Beam Analysis (IBA) via Particle Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) technique. The results revealed that both the roots and stem contain elements such as Cl, Al, K, Mg, P, Si, Mn, Ca, Ti, S, Fe, and Sr. In the roots, potassium (K) was found to have the highest concentration, with a measured value of 12,192.71 ± 45.11 ppm, while calcium (Ca) showed the highest concentration in the stem, at 16,749.22 ± 45.81 ppm. Manganese (Mn) had the lowest detectable concentration in both plant parts, recorded at 16.63 ± 3.21 ppm in the roots and 31.52 ± 4.85 ppm in the stem. The harmful or toxic elements are absent from the plant indicated that no significant health risk (if any) when used in food oils, herbal medicine and chewing sticks by the people. Keywords: Shea Tree, Stem, Root, Chewing Sticks, Shea Butter, Herbal medicine Aims Research Journal Reference Format: Aborisade C. A., Aladese A. D., Adeoye A. E., Akinlade B. I., Olaosun A. M., Oloore L. E. & Adebesin A. O. (2024): Elemental Characterization of Shea Tree (Butyrospermum Parkii Linn) In Igbope Town of Oyo State, Using Particle Induced X-Ray Emission. Advances in Multidisciplinary Research Journal. Vol. 10 No. 4, Pp 86-96. www.isteams.net/aimsjournal. dx.doi.org/10.22624/AIMS/V10N4P7