Comparative Evaluation of Heavy Metals in Triphala Churna Marketed in India

Abstract

In order to ascertain accumulation of heavy metals including, arsenic, cadmium and lead in marketed triphala churna in Yavatmal city, investigations were performed by using atomic absorption spectrometry. The results showed heavy metals accumulation in herbal medicines procured from local market. The main purposeof the investigation was to document evidence for the users, collectors and practitioners of marketed triphala churna. In present research work heavy metal like arsenic, cadmium and lead were analyzed in herbal medicines by atomic absorption spectroscopy. It is found that arsenic content in herbal formulations H2 (0.02 ppm), H3 (0.03 ppm), H4 (0.02 ppm), H5 (0.07 ppm), H7 (0.02 ppm), H8 (0.03 ppm), H9 (0.02) and H10 (0.93 ppm) which is below the permissible limit in all formulations. The cadmium content in H2 (14.15 ppm), H3 (0.41 ppm), H4 (0.87 ppm), H5 (0.93 ppm), H7 (14.16 ppm), H8 (0.41 ppm), H9 (0.88 ppm) and H10 0.93 ppm. The lead content is below detectable level in all formulations. Such formulations are injurious to health of patient if consumed regularly.