Analysis of Soil Minerals and Their Influence on the Phytochemical Characteristics of Andrographis paniculata in Three Districts of Odisha, India

Abstract

The mineral composition of soil influences the phytochemical properties and therapeutic effectiveness of medicinal plants. This research compares soil mineral profiles from three agro-climatic zones in Odisha—Koraput, Malkangiri, and Dhenkanal—to assess their impact on cultivating Andrographis paniculata, a medicinal herb known for anti-inflammatory and liver-protective benefits. Soil samples were examined for macro- and micronutrients and heavy metal contaminants using spectrometric methods. Malkangiri displayed a balanced mineral profile, with sufficient potassium (0.70 mg/L), magnesium (0.47 mg/L), copper (0.73 mg/L), and zinc (0.08 mg/L), with moderate heavy metal concentrations. Koraput's soil had lower essential micronutrients like zinc (0.02 mg/L) and copper (0.07 mg/L), though minimal heavy metal contamination made it suitable for cultivation with micronutrient management. Dhenkanal, while rich in zinc (2.56 mg/L) and iron (2.41 mg/L), showed high levels of toxic heavy metals, including cadmium (1.99 mg/L), lead (0.99 mg/L), mercury (1.56 mg/L), and arsenic (0.286 mg/L), exceeding safety limits. Based on mineral and toxicity profiles, Malkangiri emerged as the most suitable site for cultivating Andrographis paniculata. Koraput showed potential with adjustments, while Dhenkanal's heavy metal toxicity makes it unsuitable for food or medicinal plants. These findings highlight the importance of soil evaluation for optimizing yield and ensuring therapeutic consistency. Future research will correlate these profiles with secondary metabolite composition of Andrographis paniculata grown in these areas.