QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS OF TOXIC METALS IN HERBAL MEDICINES: IMPLICATIONS FOR CONSUMER SAFETY AND HEALTH
Keywords:
Herbal medicines, Toxic metals, Chemical analysis, Permissible limits, Consumer safetyAbstract
Herbal products have been integral to human health and well-being since ancient times, offering natural remedies for various ailments. However, the presence of toxic metals in these products poses significant health risks. This study emphasizes the importance of monitoring and controlling toxic metal contamination in herbal medicines to ensure consumer safety. Using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS), we quantitatively estimated the levels of toxic metals as, Chromium, Nickel, Manganese, Cadmium, and Zinc in various herbal formulations. The permissible limits for these metals in herbal products were established as follows: Chromium (2 mg/L), Nickel (2.14 mg/L), Manganese (10 mg/L), Cadmium (0.3 mg/L), and Zinc (17 mg/L). Exceeding these limits can lead to severe health complications, including liver and kidney damage, neurological disorders, and immune system hypersensitivity. The findings underscore the necessity for consumers to rely on herbal medicines prescribed by registered practitioners and avoid unregulated formulations. This research highlights the critical need for stringent quality control measures in the production and distribution of herbal products to mitigate the risks associated with toxic metal contamination and safeguard public health.
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