Metallic and Chemical Composition of Wild Plant (Rheum Ribes): A Natural Superfood with Hidden Elements

The natural product Rheum ribes, also known as Rivas in the Kurdistan area, is considered one of the most nutritious wild rhubarbs and is valued both as a dietary and medicinal resource. It is commonly referred to as R. ribes in several scientific databases, due to the presence of anthracene derivatives-compounds known for their laxative and anti-inflammatory properties R. ribes is recognised as a therapeutic herb traditionally used in medicine. This study highlights its potential as a natural superfood rich in bioactive constituents and trace elements beneficial to human health. The metal content analysis identified essential elements including Iron, Zinc, manganese, potassium and copper with concentrations of 145.755, 34.437, 3364.568, 28577.680 and 29.038 μg/mL, respectively, and limit of detection (LOD) at 0.0013, 0.0006, 0.0005, 0.0022 and 0.0048 μg/mL, respectively. Trace metals were quantified using a sophisticated analytical method, Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) technique. Average chemical composition of R. ribes: total ash (9.542%), moisture content (7.655%), nitrogen content (4.26%), crude protein (26.62%), and pH (7.4).