## 3 Results and Discussion
### The Content of Mineral Compounds  
The determined results of mineral compounds content were compared to the requirements of the following regulations: Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Health of Slovak Republic dated March 15, 2004 no. 608/3/2004-100, which issues the title of the Food Codex of the Slovak Republic regulating contaminants in food, Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Health of Slovak Republic from 11 September 2006 no. 18558/2006-SL, which issues the title of the Slovak Food Code of the Republic regulating contaminants in foodstuffs. Among all the microelements quantified in individual medicinal plants, iron (Fe) was found in the highest concentrations. The highest iron content was determined in _Thymus serpyllum_ L. (Table 3). Additionally, _Mentlua piperita_ L., Fragaria _vesca_ L., _Equisetum arense_ L., _Salvia officinalis_ L., and _Melissa officinalis_ L. were the other plants with the most abundant iron concentration. Iron is an essential element in almost all living organisms. It is involved in a wide range of metabolic processes, including oxygen transport, DNA synthesis, and electron transport. However, the concentration in body tissues must be regulated because iron can generate free radicals and its high concentration can lead to tissue damage [47]. Iron deficiency is a very common problem in humans, usually caused by insufficient intake of this element with food or excessive menstrual bleeding. Anemia is a common disease [48]. Using the AAS method, [PERSON] et al. [49] determined the content of iron in _Thymus serpyllum_ L. to be 445.78 mg/kg, in _Mentlua piperita_ L.--443.90 mg/kg, and in _Equisetum arense_ L.--617.46 mg/kg. In our study, the highest contents of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn) were found in in _Tropeaolum majus_ L., _Utricia dioica_ L., and _Achillea millefolium_ L., respectively (Table 3). [PERSON] et al. [49] determined similar concentrations of zinc (Zn) in _Utricia dioica_ L. (31.15 mg/kg) and of copper (Cu) in _Thymus serpyllum_ L. (8.94 mg/kg). In our study, the value obtained for zinc (Zn) in _Utricia dioica_ L. was 30.10 mg/kg and for copper (Cu) in _Thymus serpyllum_ L.--9.20 mg/kg. Zinc (Zn) is relatively non-toxic and necessary for the normal growth and reproduction of cells (enzymes responsible for DNA and RNA synthesis), metabolism, and normal functioning of taste and vision. Zinc deficiency is manifested in insufficient immunity, poor growth, weight loss, skin problems, and loss of appetite. The recommended daily dose for an adult is 15 mg, and 20-25 mg per day is recommended for pregnant and lactating women. Manganese (Mn) is an element necessary for several enzymatic processes. It helps in removing fatigue and reduces nervous irritability [48]. Under normal physiological conditions, people have developed antioxidant systems, including endogenous (enzymatic--SOD, catalase, etc. ; non-enzymatic--glutathione, proteins transferrin, and ferritin, binding to Fe, etc.) and exogenous antioxidants for protection against free radicals. Macro- and microelements, e.g., Fe, Cu, Mn, Co, Se, etc., are important for these systems, and the lack of even one of them can disrupt the function of the entire system [50]. The highest content of chrome was determined in _Equisetum arrense_ L. and the highest amount of cobalt in _Urtica dioica_ L. and _Equisetum arrense_ L. (Table 3). Chrome (Cr) is essential for carbohydrate metabolism and the synthesis of proteins and cholesterol. It plays an important role in the treatment of diabetes. Being directly linked to the function of insulin, it plays a role in maintaining proper glucose metabolism. Present in the pancreas, chrome is involved in insulin production. It also acts as an activator of several enzymes; its deficiency reduces the effectiveness of insulin and increases the concentrations of sugar and cholesterol in the blood. Chrome deficiency can cause growth disorders, insulin resistance, and impaired glucose tolerance, and can be a risk factor in atherosclerotic disease.