Mineral composition of selected Salvia species growing wild in the Vojvodina Province

Composition of mineral elements has been investigated in three Salvia species (Lumiaceae) growing wild in the Vojvodina Province (Serbia), as well as in a commercial phytopreparation (tea) of Salvia officinalis L. We determined concentrations of micro- and macroelements in dried plant material in order to evaluate their nutritive and medicinal value and to indicate an easily accessible natural source that could be used as a possible food supplement. The study showed that the plants were well supplied with essential elements. Concentrations of potentially harmful heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Ni, Cr) were below their respective toxic levels. From the nutritive and medicinal aspects, the investigated Salvia species may be considered as a natural source of essential microelements, especially Fe and Cu, with a low capacity for heavy metal accumulation.