DETECTION AND QUANTIFICATION OF STEROID ADULTERATION IN HERBAL MEDICINES USING TLC AND UV-SPECTROSCOPY
Keywords:
Herbal medicine, Steroid adulteration, Analysis, Quality control, Traditional medicine safetyAbstract
Herbal medicine has been a cornerstone of traditional healthcare systems for centuries, offering therapeutic benefits for a wide range of ailments. Despite their widespread use and perceived safety, herbal medicines face challenges related to contamination, adulteration, and regulatory oversight. This study focuses on the detection and quantification of steroid adulteration in herbal medicines using Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) and UV-Spectroscopy techniques with eco-friendly solvents and reagents. The findings reveal that 5.96% (approximately 6.0%) of the analyzed herbal medicine samples contained adulterated steroids, with individual cases of adulteration remaining below 10%. The presence of steroids, such as prednisolone, in herbal formulations poses significant health risks, including metabolic, cardiovascular, dermatological, and endocrine disorders. The study highlights the importance of stringent quality control measures and regulatory frameworks to ensure the safety and efficacy of herbal medicines. Consumers are advised to use herbal treatments prescribed by qualified practitioners and avoid unverified formulations that may lead to adverse health effects. This research underscores the need for increased awareness, improved regulatory policies, and advanced analytical techniques to safeguard public health from the risks associated with adulterated herbal medicines.
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