Abstract:
Fenugreek seed is one of the most widely used spices in Ethiopia composed of several bioactive
constituents responsible for numerous health benefits such as antiseptic, anticancer and
ant diabetic activity. The concentration of selected essential (Mg, Fe and Zn) and toxic (Pb, As
and Cd) metals in Fenugreek seed (Trigonella Foenum-Graecum L.) grown from Dera Woreda
in South Gondar Ethiopia were determined using FAAS. Fenugreek seed samples were collected
from four kebeles Sana, Arbegebeya, Dewel and Jigina each sample were bought from three
farmers from the local market and mixed. The collected samples preserved in sealed plastic bag
before transported to the lab for analysis. Wet digestion method was employed to prepare the
samples for analysis in which 0.5 g ground fenugreek seed from each sample site were
digested in a mixture of 30mL(69%)HNO3 and(70%) HClO4 (5:1) v/v pre-digestion time for 15
minutes and a total of 2:30 hours digestion time was taken at a temperature of 150o
c.The
essential and toxic metals were analyzed by using Flame Atomic Absorption spectrophotometer
(FAAS). And Six elements were determined, the concentrations were found in the following
range: Mg (203-220 mg/kg), Fe (11–18 mg/kg) whereas Zn, Pb, Cd and As are found in all
sample sites below the detection limit. The recovery of metals is good, and it is falls in the range
of (80_123%). The finding of this study showed that Fenugreek seed contains low concentration
or below detection limit toxic metals Pb, Cd and As concentration and rich in Mg and Fe. So, it
is safe for consumers.