Abstract
In order to identify natural remedies for mineral deficiency, this study compared the nutritional value of four plants: Avena sativa, Eruca sativa, Salvia officinalis, and Trigonella foenum-graecum L. using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis. The plants were obtained from Baghdad, Iraq, and were washed and dried before use. The XRF analysis was conducted to evaluate the contents of the mineral nutrients that are present in these plants, which were 10 mineral oxides classified as major oxides: CaO, K₂O, SiO₂, P₂O₅, MgO, and SO₃, and minor oxides: MnO, Al₂O₃, Fe₂O₃, and I. These concentrations were expressed as %. The results demonstrated that Salvia officinalis contains the highest concentrations of these minerals, followed by Eruca sativa, Trigonella foenum, and then Avena sativa. These variations in the mineral accumulation may be attributed to the plant parts, genotypes, and the environmental conditions. In conclusion, the results indicate that XRF is consider a quick method for measuring the mineral concentrations of therapeutic plants.