Heavy metals determination in microwave digested aqueous extracts of fresh and market samples of some plant origin drugs with reference to their preliminary comparative physico-chemical evaluation

Microwave digested aqueous extracts of fresh and market samples of some important indigenous drugs, which are traditionally used as an ingredient in the preparation of various reputed compound unani formulations, were utilized for the determination of heavy metals (Mercury, Lead, Cadmium and Arsenic) by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. These formulations are well known to cure a number of human ailments. These plants are Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn. (Root) and Cordia dichotoma Forst. f. (Fruits). Heavy metals Concentrations so obtained of all plant drugs were below the permissible limit. Since Unani system of Medicine uses herbs, animal products as well as minerals to prepare the poly-herbal formulations, so to satisfy the present-day scientific world, it is also necessary to evolve the standards of quality and purity for indigenous drugs to ensure their uniform effectiveness against diseases. Therefore, keeping in view of such a significance ploy of these herbs, a comparative phyto-chemical and physicochemical screening of fresh and market samples of herbal drugs were also carried out.