Comparative Evaluation of Heavy Metals in Marketed Haematinic Herbal Formulations by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy

In order to ascertain accumulation of heavy metals including, Arsenic, Cadmium and Lead in marketed Haematinic formulations Yavatmal City (India), investigations were performed by using atomic absorption spectrometry. The results showed heavy metals accumulation in herbal medicines procured from local market. The main purpose of the investigation was to document evidence for the users, and practitioners of marketed Haematinic formulations. WHO, (1998) mentions maximum permissible limits in raw materials only for arsenic, cadmium, and lead, which amount to 1.0, 0.3, and 10 ppm respectively. It was found that the Arsenic content was within the permissible limits given by W.H.O. The Cadmium content in HT1 (0.93 ppm), HT3 (0.56 ppm), HT4 (0.75 ppm), HT8 (1.2 ppm), HT9 (0.9 ppm), and H10 (0.7 ppm) which are above the permissible limits. The lead content in HT1, (12.7 ppm), HT2 (11.7ppm), HT3 (12.9 ppm), HT6 (15.5 ppm),HT9 and (15.9 ppm) which are above the permissible limits. Such formulations are injurious to health of patient if consumed regularly.