Islam Cansever

This study presents a comprehensive analytical assessment of macro- and micro-element content in Artemisia abrotanum L. harvested during two distinct growth periods—pre-blooming and blooming. Using a validated ICP-MS method, both microwave digestion and infusion extraction techniques were applied to evaluate the elemental composition of the plant. The concentrations of essential, beneficial, and potentially toxic elements—including Na, K, Mg, Ca, Fe, P, S, Al, V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Sr, Mo, Cd, Ba, Tl, Pb, and U—were determined and compared across harvest times and extraction methods. Chemometric analyses, including principal component and hierarchical cluster analysis, were employed to classify the results and elucidate patterns among the elements and sample types. The findings revealed that the elemental distribution in Artemisia abrotanum L. varies significantly with harvest period and preparation method. Notably, Na, Mn, Ni, Co, As, Se, Sr, and Ba were more abundant during the blooming period, while K, Mg, Ca, Zn, Mo, Cd, and Pb were higher in the pre-blooming period. Differences in P, Fe, Al, V, Cr, and Tl concentrations were primarily attributed to the extraction technique. The study further evaluated the measured element concentrations against updated dietary and toxicological reference values, providing a clearer perspective on the potential health implications of consuming Artemisia abrotanum L. infusions. These results underscore the importance of both harvest timing and preparation method in determining the nutritional and safety profile of medicinal plants. Graphical abstract

After tattoo application, inks remain in the skin, mostly in the dermal layer, and manufacturers use inks that have not been adequately evaluated for safety in tattoo production. In this study, the metal contents (Cd, Hg, Pb, and Cr) of tattoo inks available in the Turkish market were determined and the relationship between cell viability and inflammatory response of the detected metal levels was investigated. Nine tattoo inks (3 colors) from 3 different brands abbreviated as E, I, and W were examined. ICP-MS was used for element analysis. The viability of human keratinocyte cells was determined by the WST-1 assay following ink exposures at various dilutions. IL-18 levels were measured in cell culture supernatant by ELISA method following ink or metal (Cd, Cr, Hg, and Pb) exposures. The concentrations of trace elements were found in inks as follows: Cd, 0.0641–1.3857; Hg, 0.0204–0.2675; Pb, 0.8527–6.5981; Cr, 0.1731–45.3962 µg mL⁻¹. It was observed that the levels of Pb and especially Cr in the samples exceeded the limit values. Tattoo inks reduced the cell viability in a dose- and color-dependent manner. IL-18 release was significantly increased in all groups except Cr and black ink of brand I treated cells (p < 0.05). Our results show that the metal contents of tattoo inks exceed Council of Europe Resolution values in some samples and some inks induce immune system activation (IL-18 secretion) and cytotoxic effects. It is thought that these findings may contribute to the toxic/adverse effects of tattoo inks commonly used.