Chemical and Elemental Composition of Ammi visnaga L. and Calendula officinalis L. from Meknes, Morocco

The powders of Ammi visnaga L. and Calendula officinalis L. plants collected from Meknes region were subjected to three types of analysis, including Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis, CHNS/O analysis, and ICP-AES analysis with the aim of comparing and giving an insight into the nutritional value, medicinal properties, and potential applications in different fields. The results of the FTIR analysis showed absorbance bands in the same wavelengths, but with different peaks, indicating the presence of long-chain linear aliphatic compounds, lipids, amides, aromatic compounds, and other functional groups in both plants. The CHNS/O analysis revealed high levels of carbon and oxygen, followed by hydrogen, nitrogen, and sulfur for both plants, with no significant differences in the values. The ICP analysis detected 16 minerals, including calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium in Ammi visnaga, and low levels of sodium in comparison to Calendula officinalis. Calendula officinalis accumulated more aluminum and lead than Ammi visnaga, indicating higher tolerance to contaminations. Zinc, iron, manganese, and copper were important micronutrients present in both plants. The findings of this study suggest that both plants have significant amounts of phytochemical compounds and minerals, which could be beneficial for their potential use in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmetic industries.