RISK ASSESSMENT OF SOME HERBAL POWDERS AND HERBAL FORMULATIONS CONTAMINATED WITH HEAVY METALS

Ten herbal medicines, Four herb choornam (Trikatu, Hingwashtak, Triphala and sitopladi) and five herbal compounds – Kutajghan Vati, Gandhak Rasayan, Sarivadi Vati, Chanderprabha Vati, Shankh Vati were tested for levels of heavy metals (Lead, copper, cadmium, iron, chromium, manganese, nickel and zinc). Both herbal extracts and herbal formulations showed the presence of heavy metals. Concentrations were higher in the herbal formulations as compared to herbal extracts. The intake of the heavy metals has been calculated by taking into account the recommended daily dose of the given Ayurvedic medicines and their calculated average daily dose (ADD). The paper discusses the significance of these quantities regarding calculated daily limit given by various international food and drug administration agencies. Iron, zinc, and copper are classified as micro-nutrients, and these metals have been reported to be deficient in the diet. The prescribed medication of tested Ayurvedic medicines provides the required intake of these micronutrients. The study concludes that the tested Ayurvedic medicines are not only safe regarding heavy metal intake but apart from their therapeutic use they are also beneficial as they supply essential minerals most importantly iron which is usually deficient in the diet.