COMPARATIVE INVESTIGATION OF TRACE AND ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS IN WILD AND FARMED MEDICINAL PLANT SPECIES: IMPLICATIONS FOR QUALITY, SAFETY, AND SUSTAINABLE UTILIZATION

Medicinal plants remain central to global healthcare systems, serving as primary therapeutic resources for a substantial proportion of the world’s population. While extensive research has focused on their phytochemical constituents, comparatively less attention has been given to their elemental composition, particularly the balance between essential micronutrients and toxic trace metals. The mineral profile of medicinal plants significantly influences both therapeutic efficacy and toxicological safety. Variations in soil chemistry, environmental exposure, agronomic practices, and plant genotype contribute to measurable differences between wild-harvested and cultivated medicinal species. This review critically synthesizes current knowledge on the accumulation of essential elements (Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Se) and toxic metals (Cd, Pb, Ni) in wild and farmed medicinal plants. It evaluates environmental and biological determinants of metal uptake, advances in analytical methodologies, comparative case studies, regulatory standards, and emerging research directions. The evidence suggests that wild species often exhibit greater elemental variability and, in some cases, higher micronutrient density, whereas cultivated plants offer improved consistency but may be susceptible to anthropogenic contamination. Strengthening soil management, implementing standardized cultivation protocols, and adopting robust elemental monitoring strategies are essential to ensure the quality, safety, and sustainability of medicinal plant resources.