This research article analyzed heavy metal concentrations in seven common herbs consumed in the United Arab Emirates. A total of 81 herb samples were collected from local markets and analyzed for cadmium, lead, copper, iron, and zinc content using atomic absorption spectrometry. The study found heavy metal concentrations varied between herb types, with some exceeding World Health Organization permissible limits. For example, 29% of samples contained cadmium above 0.3 mg/kg and 64% contained lead above 10 mg/kg, the WHO limits. The findings suggest many herbs contained unsafe heavy metal levels posing potential health risks if consumed.
Background: The probable mechanism of an earlier reported capacity of palm oil extracts to confer protection
against high dose cadmium poisoning in rats was reported in this study. Similar experimental design earlier reported
by us was retained. Rats therefore were sacrificed at intervals of twelve; twenty four and forty eight hours post CdCl2
insult.
Results: Oxidative stress and antioxidant status (malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione)
were assessed in tissues (liver, kidney, heart, brain, muscle) and serum. Oxidative stress indicators showed a significantly
(p < 0.05) increased lipid peroxidation and alterations in antioxidant defence systems occasioned by drop in
catalase and superoxide dismutase enzymes (serum, liver, heart, brain and kidneys) of the rats. Also observed were
significant (p < 0.05) reduction in the non-enzymatic antioxidant reduced glutathione over time. Pre-administration of
rats with the crude palm oil and its extracts modulated cadmium mediated depletion of the antioxidant capacities of
rats acutely exposed to cadmium and rising lipid peroxidation profile.
Conclusions: Regulation of stress and antioxidant response was the underlying mechanism by which the extracts
conferred protection against high dose cadmium insult thus suggesting its potential as a viable therapeutic target
against its deleterious effects.
The use of medicinal plants in the treatment of harmful impacts of xenobiotics in animals is attracting an increasing attention in recent times. The aim of the current study is to assess the preventive potential of Costus afer aqueous leaves extract (CAAE) in treating metabolic aberrations imposed by crude oil contaminated diet in Wistar albino rats. Six groups of rats were treated as follows: A = Normal diet; B= Normal diet + 100 mg/kg body weight of CAAE; C =Normal diet + 200 mg/kg body weight of CAAE; D= Crude oil contaminated diet; E= crude oil contaminated diet + 100 mg/kg body weight of CAAE, F = crude oil contaminated diet + 200 mg/kg body weight of CAAE. After thirty days of exposure to the diet and administration of the corresponding plant extracts, the rats were sacrificed with chloroform and the required organs were excised. The hematological indices, as well as function indicators and levels of drug metabolizing enzymes in the liver and kidney, were investigated with standard protocols. The results indicated that the hematological parameters and kidney and liver function indices were altered in rats fed with crude oil contaminated diet. However, the values came close to those in control rats when Costus afer aqueous extracts were administered. Similarly, the activities of oxidase enzymes (aldehyde oxidase, monoamine oxidase, xanthine oxidase, and sulphite oxidase), following their inhibition by the ingestion of crude oil contaminated diet, equally restored close to control values upon treatment with Costus afer aqueous extract. This study, therefore, was able to establish an aqueous extract of Costus afer leave as an antidote for crude oil intoxication.
This study investigated the health risk of heavy metal in smoked Trachurus trachurus sold in Yenagoa, Bayelsa state, Nigeria. The fish samples were purchased from Tombia Junction market in Yenagoa metropolis, Nigeria. The samples were dry-ashed, digested and analyzed using atomic adsorption spectrometry. The daily intake and target hazard quotients were computed following standard procedure. Results showed mean manganese, copper, chromium, zinc and iron 0.865mg/kg, 0.085 mg/kg, <0.001mg/kg, 12.98mg/kg and 37.20 respectively. Manganese, iron and zinc concentration were above recommended level for fish food as specified by Food and Agricultural Organization/ World Health Organization and Median international standard. Target hazard quotient were <1 for both children and adult apart from iron and zinc that were high in only adults. This is an indication of potential health concern of iron and zinc in adult that consumes the smoked Trachurus trachurus sold in the study area.
Hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects of Azolla microphylla based gold nan...Nanomedicine Journal (NMJ)
Abstract
Objective(s):
Our present study sought to evaluate hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects of methanol extract of Azolla microphylla phytochemically synthesized gold nanoparticles (GNaP) in acetaminophen (APAP) - induced hepatotoxicity of fresh water common carp fish.
Materials and Methods:
GNaP were prepared by green synthesis method using methanol extract of Azolla microphylla. Twenty four fishes weighing 146 ± 2.5 g were used in this experiment and these were divided into four experimental groups, each comprising 6 fishes. Group 1 served as control. Group 2 fishes were exposed to APAP (500 mg/kg) for 24 h. Groups 3 and 4 fishes were exposed to APAP (500 mg/kg) + GNaP (2.5 mg/kg) and GNaP (2.5 mg/kg) for 24 h, respectively. The hepatoprotective and antioxidant potentials were assessed by measuring liver damage, biochemical parameters, ions status, and histological alterations.
Results:
APAP exposed fish showed significant elevated levels of metabolic enzymes (LDH, G6PDH and MDH), hepatotoxic markers (GPT, GOT and ALP), reduced hepatic glycogen, lipids, protein, albumin, globulin, increased levels of bilirubin, creatinine, and oxidative stress markers (TBRAS, LHP and protein carbonyl), altered the tissue enzymes (SOD, CAT, GSH-Px and GST) non-enzyme (GSH), cellular sulfhydryl (T-SH, P-SH and NP-SH) levels, reduced hepatic ions (Ca2+, Na+ and K+), and abnormal liver histology. It was observe that GNaP has reversal effects on the levels of above mentioned parameters in APAP hepatotoxicity.
Conclusion:
Azolla microphylla phytochemically synthesized GNaP protects liver against oxidative damage and tissue damaging enzyme activities and could be used as an effective protector against acetaminophen-induced hepatic damage in fresh water common carp fish.
Background: The probable mechanism of an earlier reported capacity of palm oil extracts to confer protection
against high dose cadmium poisoning in rats was reported in this study. Similar experimental design earlier reported
by us was retained. Rats therefore were sacrificed at intervals of twelve; twenty four and forty eight hours post CdCl2
insult.
Results: Oxidative stress and antioxidant status (malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione)
were assessed in tissues (liver, kidney, heart, brain, muscle) and serum. Oxidative stress indicators showed a significantly
(p < 0.05) increased lipid peroxidation and alterations in antioxidant defence systems occasioned by drop in
catalase and superoxide dismutase enzymes (serum, liver, heart, brain and kidneys) of the rats. Also observed were
significant (p < 0.05) reduction in the non-enzymatic antioxidant reduced glutathione over time. Pre-administration of
rats with the crude palm oil and its extracts modulated cadmium mediated depletion of the antioxidant capacities of
rats acutely exposed to cadmium and rising lipid peroxidation profile.
Conclusions: Regulation of stress and antioxidant response was the underlying mechanism by which the extracts
conferred protection against high dose cadmium insult thus suggesting its potential as a viable therapeutic target
against its deleterious effects.
The use of medicinal plants in the treatment of harmful impacts of xenobiotics in animals is attracting an increasing attention in recent times. The aim of the current study is to assess the preventive potential of Costus afer aqueous leaves extract (CAAE) in treating metabolic aberrations imposed by crude oil contaminated diet in Wistar albino rats. Six groups of rats were treated as follows: A = Normal diet; B= Normal diet + 100 mg/kg body weight of CAAE; C =Normal diet + 200 mg/kg body weight of CAAE; D= Crude oil contaminated diet; E= crude oil contaminated diet + 100 mg/kg body weight of CAAE, F = crude oil contaminated diet + 200 mg/kg body weight of CAAE. After thirty days of exposure to the diet and administration of the corresponding plant extracts, the rats were sacrificed with chloroform and the required organs were excised. The hematological indices, as well as function indicators and levels of drug metabolizing enzymes in the liver and kidney, were investigated with standard protocols. The results indicated that the hematological parameters and kidney and liver function indices were altered in rats fed with crude oil contaminated diet. However, the values came close to those in control rats when Costus afer aqueous extracts were administered. Similarly, the activities of oxidase enzymes (aldehyde oxidase, monoamine oxidase, xanthine oxidase, and sulphite oxidase), following their inhibition by the ingestion of crude oil contaminated diet, equally restored close to control values upon treatment with Costus afer aqueous extract. This study, therefore, was able to establish an aqueous extract of Costus afer leave as an antidote for crude oil intoxication.
This study investigated the health risk of heavy metal in smoked Trachurus trachurus sold in Yenagoa, Bayelsa state, Nigeria. The fish samples were purchased from Tombia Junction market in Yenagoa metropolis, Nigeria. The samples were dry-ashed, digested and analyzed using atomic adsorption spectrometry. The daily intake and target hazard quotients were computed following standard procedure. Results showed mean manganese, copper, chromium, zinc and iron 0.865mg/kg, 0.085 mg/kg, <0.001mg/kg, 12.98mg/kg and 37.20 respectively. Manganese, iron and zinc concentration were above recommended level for fish food as specified by Food and Agricultural Organization/ World Health Organization and Median international standard. Target hazard quotient were <1 for both children and adult apart from iron and zinc that were high in only adults. This is an indication of potential health concern of iron and zinc in adult that consumes the smoked Trachurus trachurus sold in the study area.
Hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects of Azolla microphylla based gold nan...Nanomedicine Journal (NMJ)
Abstract
Objective(s):
Our present study sought to evaluate hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects of methanol extract of Azolla microphylla phytochemically synthesized gold nanoparticles (GNaP) in acetaminophen (APAP) - induced hepatotoxicity of fresh water common carp fish.
Materials and Methods:
GNaP were prepared by green synthesis method using methanol extract of Azolla microphylla. Twenty four fishes weighing 146 ± 2.5 g were used in this experiment and these were divided into four experimental groups, each comprising 6 fishes. Group 1 served as control. Group 2 fishes were exposed to APAP (500 mg/kg) for 24 h. Groups 3 and 4 fishes were exposed to APAP (500 mg/kg) + GNaP (2.5 mg/kg) and GNaP (2.5 mg/kg) for 24 h, respectively. The hepatoprotective and antioxidant potentials were assessed by measuring liver damage, biochemical parameters, ions status, and histological alterations.
Results:
APAP exposed fish showed significant elevated levels of metabolic enzymes (LDH, G6PDH and MDH), hepatotoxic markers (GPT, GOT and ALP), reduced hepatic glycogen, lipids, protein, albumin, globulin, increased levels of bilirubin, creatinine, and oxidative stress markers (TBRAS, LHP and protein carbonyl), altered the tissue enzymes (SOD, CAT, GSH-Px and GST) non-enzyme (GSH), cellular sulfhydryl (T-SH, P-SH and NP-SH) levels, reduced hepatic ions (Ca2+, Na+ and K+), and abnormal liver histology. It was observe that GNaP has reversal effects on the levels of above mentioned parameters in APAP hepatotoxicity.
Conclusion:
Azolla microphylla phytochemically synthesized GNaP protects liver against oxidative damage and tissue damaging enzyme activities and could be used as an effective protector against acetaminophen-induced hepatic damage in fresh water common carp fish.
Investigation of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) contents in soil, orange fruit an...Innspub Net
Heavy metals are among the most environmentally toxic substances. Cadmium (Cd) and Lead (Pb) are extremely toxic heavy metals and their presence in the soil poses severe danger to the food security and consequently human health. Present study was carried out to investigate the concentration of Cd and Pb in soil, Orange and human blood. Soil and orange fruit samples were collected from same garden. Blood samples were taken from 6 volunteers at two stages before consumption and 4 hours after orange fruit consumption. Cadmium concentration in soil samples were found to be higher than the permissible limit of Cd set by the World Health Organization (WHO). It was noted that Pb concentration in soil was within safe limit of WHO. Orange fruit exceed the safe limit for concentration of both the metals. The cadmium concentration in blood sample before (2.7 ± 0.3ppm) and after eating orange fruit (2.75 ± 0.3ppm) were found different. The difference between cadmium concentration before and after consumption is 0.05ppm. The lead concentration in blood before consumption of orange fruit was (5.05 ± 1.15ppm) while after consumption was (5.88 ± 1.25ppm). The difference found between before and after treatment is 0.83ppm. Further investigation is suggested to find the effect of toxic metals like Cadmium and lead on human physiology and biochemistry.
Present study deals with the investigation of hepatoprotective activity of Tephrosia purpurea Linn stem. Powdered stem was extracted with methanol and subjected for the preliminary phytochemical screening. Acute toxicity study of the extract was carried out following OECD guidelines 423 and found safe upto the dose 2000 mg/kg, p.o. Hepatoprotective activity of extract was evaluated against CCl induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar albino rats. Rats were divided into five groups containing 4 6 mice per group. Group 1 animals were administered with vehicle only, Group II animals were administered with CCl (1.4 ml/kg p.o.) to induced hepatotoxicity, 4 group III animals were administered with silymarin (25 mg/kg) for 7 days and CCl (1.4 ml/kg p.o.) on fifth day, group IV and V animals were administered with 4 methanol extract of T. purpurea stem at 75 and 150 mg/kg, po respectively for 7 days and CCl (1.4 ml/kg p.o.) on fifth day of treatment schedule. Biochemical 4 parameters (SGPT, SGOT, ALP, total bilirubin and direct bilirubin) were assessed in all the experimental animals. Phytochemical investigation of methanol extract of T. purpurea stem revealed the presence of flavanoids, phytosterols, alkaloids and proteins. Methanol extract of T. purpurea stem was exhibited dose dependant hepatoprotective activity comparable to that of silymarin.
Toxicological profile of Grewia bicolor root extractIOSRJPBS
In recent years, traditional system of medicine has become a topic of global importance. Many of the plant species that provide medicinal herbs have been scientifically evaluated for their possible medicinal, pharmacological and toxicological effects. A number of species of the genus Grewia have been used as medicinal herbs to treat several diseases in different parts of the globe. Grewia bicolor is the most famous medicinal plant among the genus Grewia. Despite the wide use of the plant in traditional medicine, so far no scientific evaluation was carried out on this plant for the preclinical toxicity profile. The present study was conducted to evaluate the safety of Grewia bicolor root extract. The plant extract proved that it is relatively safe through the acute and sub-acute studies.
Engineering escherichia coli to convert acetic acid to free fatty acidszhenhua82
Fatty acids (FAs) are promising precursors of advanced biofuels. This study investigated conversion of acetic acid (HAc) to FAs by an engineered Escherichia coli strain. We combined established genetic engineering strategies including overexpression of acs and tesA genes, and knockout of fadE in E. coli BL21, resulting in the production of similar to 1 g/L FAs from acetic acid. The microbial conversion of HAc to FAs was achieved with similar to 20% of the theoretical yield. We cultured the engineered strain with HAc-rich liquid wastes, which yielded similar to 0.43 g/L FAs using waste streams from dilute acid hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass and similar to 0.17 g/L FAs using effluent from anaerobic-digested sewage sludge. C-13-isotopic experiments showed that the metabolism in our engineered strain had high carbon fluxes toward FAs synthesis and TCA cycle in a complex HAc medium. This proof-of-concept work demonstrates the possibility for coupling the waste treatment with the biosynthesis of advanced biofuel via genetically engineered microbial species.
Describes Various aspects of pharmaceutical products affecting the environment.
Effects of Environmental pollution by Drugs on Aquatic systems and Humans.
Examples of drugs on various environmental effects are given.
Toxicology testing, also known as safety assessment, or toxicity testing, is conducted to determine the degree to which a substance can damage a living or non-living organism. It is often conducted by researchers using standard test procedures to comply with governing regulations, for example for medicines and pesticides. Much toxicology is considered to be part of the field of preclinical development. Stages of in vitro and in vivo research are conducted to determine safe doses of exposure in humans before a first-in-man study. Toxicology testing may be conducted by the pharmaceutical industry, biotechnology companies or contract research organizations.
Drug development is a high-risk enterprise. The typical new drug takes 10-12 years to get to market and costs up to $500 million. Pharmaceutical companies face continually increasing challenges in drug development— shorter product life cycles, global competition, as well as daunting technical and regulatory hurdles. Meanwhile, as a result of the Human Genome Project and high throughput drug development methods, there are many more drug candidates to test. Thus, there is growing pressure on pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies.
Profile of Trace Elements in Selected Medicinal Plants of North East IndiaIOSR Journals
Trace elements like Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn and major elements K and Ca were quantified in ten selected medicinal plants of North East India by using Proton Induced X- ray Emission (PIXE) technique. No toxic heavy metals such as As, Hg, Pb and Cd were detected. The concentration (ppm) of the elements in the studied plants was found to be as follows: manganese(10 to1800 ), iron(27 to 836), copper(6 to140), zinc(10 to 160), potassium(14120 to 76950) and calcium(1660 to 32030). The levels of trace metals present in the plants was found to be beyond the safety standards of WHO in edible plants but around the permissible range for consumed medicinal herbs as defined for different countries.
Novel 1,3,4-Thiadiazole Linked Amide Derivatives of Pteridone: Synthesis and ...Ratnakaram Venkata Nadh
Cancer is a second leading cause of death after heart attack, in developing as well as undeveloped
countries. It is caused by unregulated growth and metastasis of the abnormal cancer cells.
Cancer can be cured by radiation, immunotherapy and chemotherapy, among them; chemotherapy is a
good treatment for cancer, in which chemotherapeutic drug is used. The anticancer activity of newly
synthesized compounds (13a-j) was carried out on four different types of human cancer cell lines like
MCF-7 (breast), A549 (lung), Colo-205 (colon) and A2780 (ovarian) by the MTT method, and compared
to etoposide used as a positive control. Among them, compound 13g with electron-withdrawing
(3,5-dinitro) group, exhibited more promising activity in all cell lines (MCF-7 = 0.10±0.076 μM, A549
= 0.17±0.039 μM, Colo-205= 0.13±0.022 μM and A2780 = 0.87±0.027μM). This compound may act
as lead drug in cancer chemotherapy. In future, this compound can be examined for clinical studies.
Hepatoprotective Effect of Aqueous Extracts of Some Medicinal Plant Mixtures ...IOSRJPBS
The rhizomes of Ginger (Zingiberofficinale), Turmeric (Curcuma longa), Licorice (Glycyrrhizaglabra), the bark of Cinnamon tree,(Cinnamomumzeylanicum) and the calyces of red Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.)are herbs used in thishepatoprotective studies. This study evaluates the hepatoprotective activity of water extract mixtures using carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver injury in rats.In vitroantioxidant activity of plant water extracts was determined using DPPH. The water extractmixtures wereadministered for 10 days; on the 10thday all rats were challenged with CCl4 except control group animals. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and albumin levels were determined to prove the hepatoprotectiveeffect.The enzyme activities were significantly increased in CCl4 treated rats. The four water extract mixtures exhibited significant (P<0.05)><0.05) increased in all the water extract mixtures used.
Investigation of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) contents in soil, orange fruit an...Innspub Net
Heavy metals are among the most environmentally toxic substances. Cadmium (Cd) and Lead (Pb) are extremely toxic heavy metals and their presence in the soil poses severe danger to the food security and consequently human health. Present study was carried out to investigate the concentration of Cd and Pb in soil, Orange and human blood. Soil and orange fruit samples were collected from same garden. Blood samples were taken from 6 volunteers at two stages before consumption and 4 hours after orange fruit consumption. Cadmium concentration in soil samples were found to be higher than the permissible limit of Cd set by the World Health Organization (WHO). It was noted that Pb concentration in soil was within safe limit of WHO. Orange fruit exceed the safe limit for concentration of both the metals. The cadmium concentration in blood sample before (2.7 ± 0.3ppm) and after eating orange fruit (2.75 ± 0.3ppm) were found different. The difference between cadmium concentration before and after consumption is 0.05ppm. The lead concentration in blood before consumption of orange fruit was (5.05 ± 1.15ppm) while after consumption was (5.88 ± 1.25ppm). The difference found between before and after treatment is 0.83ppm. Further investigation is suggested to find the effect of toxic metals like Cadmium and lead on human physiology and biochemistry.
Present study deals with the investigation of hepatoprotective activity of Tephrosia purpurea Linn stem. Powdered stem was extracted with methanol and subjected for the preliminary phytochemical screening. Acute toxicity study of the extract was carried out following OECD guidelines 423 and found safe upto the dose 2000 mg/kg, p.o. Hepatoprotective activity of extract was evaluated against CCl induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar albino rats. Rats were divided into five groups containing 4 6 mice per group. Group 1 animals were administered with vehicle only, Group II animals were administered with CCl (1.4 ml/kg p.o.) to induced hepatotoxicity, 4 group III animals were administered with silymarin (25 mg/kg) for 7 days and CCl (1.4 ml/kg p.o.) on fifth day, group IV and V animals were administered with 4 methanol extract of T. purpurea stem at 75 and 150 mg/kg, po respectively for 7 days and CCl (1.4 ml/kg p.o.) on fifth day of treatment schedule. Biochemical 4 parameters (SGPT, SGOT, ALP, total bilirubin and direct bilirubin) were assessed in all the experimental animals. Phytochemical investigation of methanol extract of T. purpurea stem revealed the presence of flavanoids, phytosterols, alkaloids and proteins. Methanol extract of T. purpurea stem was exhibited dose dependant hepatoprotective activity comparable to that of silymarin.
Toxicological profile of Grewia bicolor root extractIOSRJPBS
In recent years, traditional system of medicine has become a topic of global importance. Many of the plant species that provide medicinal herbs have been scientifically evaluated for their possible medicinal, pharmacological and toxicological effects. A number of species of the genus Grewia have been used as medicinal herbs to treat several diseases in different parts of the globe. Grewia bicolor is the most famous medicinal plant among the genus Grewia. Despite the wide use of the plant in traditional medicine, so far no scientific evaluation was carried out on this plant for the preclinical toxicity profile. The present study was conducted to evaluate the safety of Grewia bicolor root extract. The plant extract proved that it is relatively safe through the acute and sub-acute studies.
Engineering escherichia coli to convert acetic acid to free fatty acidszhenhua82
Fatty acids (FAs) are promising precursors of advanced biofuels. This study investigated conversion of acetic acid (HAc) to FAs by an engineered Escherichia coli strain. We combined established genetic engineering strategies including overexpression of acs and tesA genes, and knockout of fadE in E. coli BL21, resulting in the production of similar to 1 g/L FAs from acetic acid. The microbial conversion of HAc to FAs was achieved with similar to 20% of the theoretical yield. We cultured the engineered strain with HAc-rich liquid wastes, which yielded similar to 0.43 g/L FAs using waste streams from dilute acid hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass and similar to 0.17 g/L FAs using effluent from anaerobic-digested sewage sludge. C-13-isotopic experiments showed that the metabolism in our engineered strain had high carbon fluxes toward FAs synthesis and TCA cycle in a complex HAc medium. This proof-of-concept work demonstrates the possibility for coupling the waste treatment with the biosynthesis of advanced biofuel via genetically engineered microbial species.
Describes Various aspects of pharmaceutical products affecting the environment.
Effects of Environmental pollution by Drugs on Aquatic systems and Humans.
Examples of drugs on various environmental effects are given.
Toxicology testing, also known as safety assessment, or toxicity testing, is conducted to determine the degree to which a substance can damage a living or non-living organism. It is often conducted by researchers using standard test procedures to comply with governing regulations, for example for medicines and pesticides. Much toxicology is considered to be part of the field of preclinical development. Stages of in vitro and in vivo research are conducted to determine safe doses of exposure in humans before a first-in-man study. Toxicology testing may be conducted by the pharmaceutical industry, biotechnology companies or contract research organizations.
Drug development is a high-risk enterprise. The typical new drug takes 10-12 years to get to market and costs up to $500 million. Pharmaceutical companies face continually increasing challenges in drug development— shorter product life cycles, global competition, as well as daunting technical and regulatory hurdles. Meanwhile, as a result of the Human Genome Project and high throughput drug development methods, there are many more drug candidates to test. Thus, there is growing pressure on pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies.
Profile of Trace Elements in Selected Medicinal Plants of North East IndiaIOSR Journals
Trace elements like Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn and major elements K and Ca were quantified in ten selected medicinal plants of North East India by using Proton Induced X- ray Emission (PIXE) technique. No toxic heavy metals such as As, Hg, Pb and Cd were detected. The concentration (ppm) of the elements in the studied plants was found to be as follows: manganese(10 to1800 ), iron(27 to 836), copper(6 to140), zinc(10 to 160), potassium(14120 to 76950) and calcium(1660 to 32030). The levels of trace metals present in the plants was found to be beyond the safety standards of WHO in edible plants but around the permissible range for consumed medicinal herbs as defined for different countries.
Novel 1,3,4-Thiadiazole Linked Amide Derivatives of Pteridone: Synthesis and ...Ratnakaram Venkata Nadh
Cancer is a second leading cause of death after heart attack, in developing as well as undeveloped
countries. It is caused by unregulated growth and metastasis of the abnormal cancer cells.
Cancer can be cured by radiation, immunotherapy and chemotherapy, among them; chemotherapy is a
good treatment for cancer, in which chemotherapeutic drug is used. The anticancer activity of newly
synthesized compounds (13a-j) was carried out on four different types of human cancer cell lines like
MCF-7 (breast), A549 (lung), Colo-205 (colon) and A2780 (ovarian) by the MTT method, and compared
to etoposide used as a positive control. Among them, compound 13g with electron-withdrawing
(3,5-dinitro) group, exhibited more promising activity in all cell lines (MCF-7 = 0.10±0.076 μM, A549
= 0.17±0.039 μM, Colo-205= 0.13±0.022 μM and A2780 = 0.87±0.027μM). This compound may act
as lead drug in cancer chemotherapy. In future, this compound can be examined for clinical studies.
Hepatoprotective Effect of Aqueous Extracts of Some Medicinal Plant Mixtures ...IOSRJPBS
The rhizomes of Ginger (Zingiberofficinale), Turmeric (Curcuma longa), Licorice (Glycyrrhizaglabra), the bark of Cinnamon tree,(Cinnamomumzeylanicum) and the calyces of red Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.)are herbs used in thishepatoprotective studies. This study evaluates the hepatoprotective activity of water extract mixtures using carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver injury in rats.In vitroantioxidant activity of plant water extracts was determined using DPPH. The water extractmixtures wereadministered for 10 days; on the 10thday all rats were challenged with CCl4 except control group animals. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and albumin levels were determined to prove the hepatoprotectiveeffect.The enzyme activities were significantly increased in CCl4 treated rats. The four water extract mixtures exhibited significant (P<0.05)><0.05) increased in all the water extract mixtures used.
The Dawn of the Age of Artificially Intelligent NeuroprostheticsSagar Hingal
A summary or an overview of the existing technologies that encapsulate the concepts of NeuroScience and Bio-Technology using the enhanced methods of Artificial-intelligence.
In this review paper, there are several case studies and methodologies of implementations of neuroprosthetics as well as how A.I (Artificial Intelligence) is evolved over the period of time and what is next on the future.....
Standardization of Poly Herbal Siddha Medicine Eladhi Chooranaminventionjournals
International Journal of Pharmaceutical Science Invention (IJPSI) is an international journal intended for professionals and researchers in all fields of Pahrmaceutical Science. IJPSI publishes research articles and reviews within the whole field Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, new teaching methods, assessment, validation and the impact of new technologies and it will continue to provide information on the latest trends and developments in this ever-expanding subject. The publications of papers are selected through double peer reviewed to ensure originality, relevance, and readability. The articles published in our journal can be accessed online.
Phytochemical, Proximate and Nutrient Analysis of Cassia Tora Seedsinventionjournals
Recently Proximate analysis and phytochemical analysis and nutrient analysis of seeds of Cassia tora L. from the campus of Government Vidharbha Institute of Science and Humanity, Amravati had been investigated. The seeds sample contained tannin, saponin, protein, steriods, terpenoids, carbohydrate, alkaloids, flavonoids and glycosides. Proximate analysis of moisture, ash, fat amd mineral analysis of calcium, magnesium, iron, nitrogen and solubility were check. The values of it is moisture (56%), cold water (52%), hot water (54%), 1%NaOH (43%), 1%HCl (61%), benzene +alcohol (35%), ash content (17%). These results indicate that the seeds of these Cassia tora L. contains mineral and nutrients elements that will be useful in nutrition. Also the existence of some phytochemicals like tannin, saponin and steroids illustrated medicinal action of the plant in its therapeutic uses. The result of their phytochemcial screening could justify the observed activities and validate their use in herbal medicine.
DPPH Scavenging Assay of Eighty Four Bangladeshi Medicinal PlantsIOSR Journals
This study was designed to screen out free radical scavenging potentiality of 84 medicinal plants. Stock solution of different plant extracts and standard were diluted to achieve suitable concentrations. A control was also prepared without plant extract solution. Then 0.004% DPPH solution was added. The mixtures were incubated in the room temperature for 30 minutes. Then the absorbance was measured at 517 nm against solvent in UV-spectrophotometer and then IC50 was calculated. In this experiment two standard were used-ascorbic acid and BHT. Both showed a significant IC50 value of 15.5μg/mL, and 46.54μg/mL respectively. Among 84 medicinal plants Syzygim cumini, Casuarina littorea, Borassus flabellifer, Enhydra fluctuans, and Minusops elengi exhibited highest radical scavenging potential with an IC50 value of 12.816μg/mL, 14.467μg/mL, 15.755μg/mL, 15.653μg/mL, and 20.380μg/mL respectively. All these value are very close to the IC50 value of ascorbic acid and better than IC50 value of BHT (Butylated Hydroxy Toluene). Syzygim cumini is the most powerful scavenger among all tested medicinal plants and also most strong scavenger than ascorbic acid and BHT. Scavenging activity was found to increase in dose dependent manner. Another 30 medicinal plants exhibited good scavenging property and 14 medicinal plants showed moderate scavenging activity. The rest presented lower scavenging activity. This present study indicates that plants having good scavenging property may have various health beneficial effects and these plants can be considered as valuable source of bioactive components with high antioxidant properties.
Phytochemical Analysis and Mineral Content of Ethanol Extract of Citrullus la...Premier Publishers
This study examined the phytochemical and elemental content of water melon (Citrullus lanatus) bark. The sample was spread in the laboratory to dry at room temperature after which it was grounded to get a coarse powder form using sterile mortar and pestle. The extracts (ethanol and aqueous) were subjected to phytochemical and elemental analysis using standard procedures. Qualitative phytochemical screening of the ethanol extract revealed the presence of tannins, alkaloid, saponins, oxalates, flavonoids, steroid, phytates and glycoside while the quantitative phytochemical screening indicated the contents of tannins to be (1.360g/100g), alkaloid (3.965 g/100g), saponins (1.380 g/100g), oxalates (3.675 g/100g), flavonoids (1.145g/100g), steroid (1.080g/100g), phytates (3.160g/100g) and glycoside (4.490 g/100g). The elemental analysis showed that the extracts contains Ca (0.025±0.002mg/100g), K (0.065±0.001mg/100g), Fe (0.189±0.007mg/100g), Zn (0.263±0.005mg/100g), Mg (1.771±0.005 mg/100g), Mn (0.670 ±0.003mg/100g), Na (0.033±0.001mg/100g), and Cu (0.245±0.003mg/100g) however Cr was not detected. The results of this study showed that the ethanol extract of C. lanatus contain bioactive compounds which might be responsible for pharmacological actions of the plant and the plant can also serve as a source of mineral elements in diet.
Aqua drugs and chemicals used in aquaculture of Zakigonj upazilla, SylhetAbdullaAlAsif1
In order to investigate present status of aqua chemicals and drugs used in various aquaculture activities in Zakigonj upazilla, Sylhet. A survey was conducted, with carp polyculture, tilapia and catfish farmers, aqua-medicine sellers, representatives of pharmaceuticals companies, from July 2014 to November 2014. Each group consisted of 25 respondents. According to the survey the most common dose of lime used by the farmers during pond preparation (62.67%) and culture period (53%) is 0.5-1 kg/40m2. Urea and TSP used by the farmers mostly during culture period with most common dose of 100-150g/40m2(37.3%) and 50-100 g/40m2 (68%) respectively. Various categories of aqua drugs and chemicals were identified that were used by fish farmers for different purposes such as water quality management, disinfectants, improve dissolve oxygen level, disease treatment, antibiotics and growth promoter. Many pharmaceutical companies were found to provide these aqua drugs and chemicals with different trade names to fulfill the farmers demand. For pond and water quality management lime, urea and TSP are mostly used. Bleaching powder, Timsen, EDTA, Polgard, Virex, Aquakleen, Germnill, Pond safe were widely used as disinfectant. Health management and disease treatment were the major activities where farmers were seen to use a lot of chemicals. A range of chemicals including antibiotics were found available in market and being used in the aquaculture sector. Commonly found traditional chemicals in heath management included Potassium permanganate, Lime, Salt, Virex, Timsen, Aquakleen, Germnil, Pond Safe, Deletrix, Spa, Albez, Ablez were used regularly for disease treatment. Mostly used antibiotics are Renamycin, Oxysentin 20% Chlorsteclin Oxy-D Vet, Aquamycin, Orgamycin 15 %, Orgacycline-15% etc. Major active ingredients of these antibiotics were oxytetracycline, chlorotetracycline, amoxicillin, doxycycline etc. There are approximately fifty two pharmaceutical companies have been recorded to market around 300 products. Most of the products have been marketed from different countries like USA, Thailand, Malaysia, Belgium and China etc. The study also indicated some problems associated with the use of such chemicals due to lack of knowledge of farmers about the use of chemicals, appropriate dose, method of application and their indiscriminate use of chemicals. The study also highlighted the names and approximate price of aquaculture chemicals available with the chemicals sellers in Zakigonj, Sylhet.
International Organization of Scientific Research (IOSR)iosrphr_editor
The IOSR Journal of Pharmacy (IOSRPHR) is an open access online & offline peer reviewed international journal, which publishes innovative research papers, reviews, mini-reviews, short communications and notes dealing with Pharmaceutical Sciences( Pharmaceutical Technology, Pharmaceutics, Biopharmaceutics, Pharmacokinetics, Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Computational Chemistry and Molecular Drug Design, Pharmacognosy & Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Analysis, Pharmacy Practice, Clinical and Hospital Pharmacy, Cell Biology, Genomics and Proteomics, Pharmacogenomics, Bioinformatics and Biotechnology of Pharmaceutical Interest........more details on Aim & Scope).
All manuscripts are subject to rapid peer review. Those of high quality (not previously published and not under consideration for publication in another journal) will be published without delay.
The IOSR Journal of Pharmacy (IOSRPHR) is an open access online & offline peer reviewed international journal, which publishes innovative research papers, reviews, mini-reviews, short communications and notes dealing with Pharmaceutical Sciences( Pharmaceutical Technology, Pharmaceutics, Biopharmaceutics, Pharmacokinetics, Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Computational Chemistry and Molecular Drug Design, Pharmacognosy & Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Analysis, Pharmacy Practice, Clinical and Hospital Pharmacy, Cell Biology, Genomics and Proteomics, Pharmacogenomics, Bioinformatics and Biotechnology of Pharmaceutical Interest........more details on Aim & Scope).
All manuscripts are subject to rapid peer review. Those of high quality (not previously published and not under consideration for publication in another journal) will be published without delay.
A discovery of sachet-water purification system, that is portable can remove heavy metals able to eliminate microbes and clears out the water. Use of techniques like IR, disc diffusion, Limit test, TDS meter, UV aseptic chamber, and then designing a formulation that is portable, economical and convenient.
SUB-ACUTE TOXICITY STUDY OF ETHANOL LEAF EXTRACT OF Ocimum canum ON THE KIDNE...oyepata
SUB-ACUTE TOXICITY STUDY OF ETHANOL LEAF EXTRACT OF Ocimum canum ON
THE KIDNEY OF WISTAR RATS
JOSEPH OS*1, BUILDERS M1, JOSEPH OT2, ZUBAIRU SA3, MUSA T3, OYEPATA PJ2,
Heavy Metal Analysis from Traditionally used Herb Ceropegia juncea (Roxb.)iosrphr_editor
The IOSR Journal of Pharmacy (IOSRPHR) is an open access online & offline peer reviewed international journal, which publishes innovative research papers, reviews, mini-reviews, short communications and notes dealing with Pharmaceutical Sciences( Pharmaceutical Technology, Pharmaceutics, Biopharmaceutics, Pharmacokinetics, Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Computational Chemistry and Molecular Drug Design, Pharmacognosy & Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Analysis, Pharmacy Practice, Clinical and Hospital Pharmacy, Cell Biology, Genomics and Proteomics, Pharmacogenomics, Bioinformatics and Biotechnology of Pharmaceutical Interest........more details on Aim & Scope).
Phytochemical and Heavy Metal Analysis of Gongronema Latifolium, Talinum Tri...Scientific Review SR
Heavy metals contamination of soil has continued to increase globally as a result of increase in anthropogenic
actions. The phytochemical and heavy metals (Zn, Cu, As, Pb, Cd, Hg) content of three edible plant species grown in
southern Nigeria and the health implications were evaluated. The heavy metal concentrations of Gongronema
latifolium, Talinum triangulare and Amaranthus hybridus as well as the top soil were determined using Atomic
Absorption Spectrophotometer. The consumption of vegetables is a very vital path to food chain by which toxic
metals are transferred from the soil to human as well as other animals. Geo-accumulation index and Transfer factor
were the parameters used to evaluate the extent of contamination of top soil and exposure by human via the food
chain respectively. The results of phytochemical analysis of plants revealed the existence of some bioactive
constituents and their corresponding concentrations are presented in increasing order of magnitude: anthocyanin˂
carotenoid ˂ flavonoid ˂ tannin ˂ steroid ˂ alkaloid. The soil analysis for heavy metals were performed and results
demonstrated that zinc had the maximum concentration (103.1 – 174.0 mg kg-1) while mercury had the lowest levels
(0.01 – 0.20 mg kg-1). The heavy metal concentrations in the soil samples are in the order; Zn ˃ Pb ˃ Cu ˃ Cd ˃ Ni
˃ As ˃ Hg. Geo-accumulation index analysis revealed that Pb and Cd were implicated in overall contamination of
the soil samples but the control soil remained uncontaminated. The concentratio ns of heavy metal in the plant
samples varied greatly with Zn having the maximum values (10.80 – 21.10 mg kg -1) whereas arsenic had the
minimum concentration (0.01 – 0.03 mg kg -1). The heavy metal concentration in the plant samples are in the order;
Zn ˃ Cu ˃ Pb ˃ Cd ˃ Ni ˃ Hg ˃ As. The concentrations of heavy metals in the selected plant samples evaluated were
within the recommended standard limits apart for lead which was higher than the recommended value. Results
revealed moderately high transfer factors and capacity of the vegetables investigated to accumulate copper, mercury
and arsenic.
2. 2 Journal of Environmental and Public Health
The toxicity of trace metals on human health and the
environment has attracted considerable attention in recent
years. Plants are the main link in the transfer of heavy
metals from the contaminated soil to humans. Heavy metals
have a tendency to accumulate in the food chain. Heavy
metals have low excretion rates through the kidney which
could result in damaging effects on humans even at very low
concentrations. Metals such as zinc, copper, iron, manganese,
and chromium are essential nutrients; they are important for
the physiological and biological functions of the human body.
However, an increase in their intake above certain permissible
limits can become toxic [8, 9]. In general, a number of health
problems were linked to excessive uptake of dietary heavy
metals including a decrease in immunological defenses, car-
diac dysfunction, fetal malformation, impaired psychosocial
and neurological behavior, gastrointestinal cancer, and many
others [10, 11]. The heavy metal contamination of herbal
remedies has been reported earlier in several Asian, South
American, and African herbal products in different countries
[12–16].
There is very little information available on the safety of
traditional herbs and their products sold in the UAE market.
This study aims at determining the level of heavy metal
contamination in some commonly consumed herbs to assess
their relative safety and potential health risks based on the
World Health Organization (WHO) standard limits.
2. Materials and Methods
A total of eighty-one herb samples both local and imported
(fresh and dried) of seven different types of herbs were
purchased from 13 different sources in the local markets of
Dubai. The herb samples used in this study were purchased
from authenticated shops/supermarkets approved by Dubai
municipality. Table 1 shows a list of the herbs common and
scientific names and the number of samples analyzed. Fresh
samples were air-dried at room temperature. All samples
were powdered, sieved, and stored in plastic bags for metal
analysis.
All glassware and digestion vessels were soaked in 20%
nitric acid and rinsed with ultrapure water (Millipore Elix
Advantage Water Purification System, Millipore, MA, USA).
Multielement standard solutions of lead (Pb), cadmium
(Cd), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) were prepared
by dilution of 1000 mg/L stock solutions (Fluka TraceCert
Ultra, Sigma-Aldrich) with 5% nitric acid (HNO3) solution.
The calibration curve for each element was linear and a
correlation coefficient of 0.995 was obtained.
For microwave digestion, 0.5 g of the herb sample was
accurately weighed into a digestion vessel (MARSXpress),
followed by addition of 0.5 mL of 37% hydrochloric acid
(HCl) (trace metal concentrated, Suprapur, Merk), 9.0 mL of
69% nitric acid (HNO3) (trace metal concentrated, Supra-
pur, Merk), and 1 mL of 30% hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)
(Sigma-Aldrich). The mixture was subjected to US-EPA 3052
microwave-assisted digestion in MARS Microwave digestion
system (CEM Corporation, Matthews, USA) [17]. At the
end of the digestion program, the samples were filtered
Table 1: Herbs common name and scientific name and the number
of collected samples.
Common name Scientific name
Total number of
samples collected
(𝑁 = 81)
Parsley Petroselinum crispum 13
Basil Ocimum basilicum 11
Sage Salvia officinalis 11
Oregano Origanum vulgare 11
Mint Mentha spicata 13
Thyme Thymus vulgaris 13
Chamomile Matricaria chamomilla 9
and quantitatively transferred to 25 mL volumetric flask and
diluted with 0.2% nitric acid solution. The concentration of
metals in the sample was determined using atomic absorption
spectrophotometer (AA240FS series by Varian Australia Pty
Ltd.).
All quality control and assurance measures were taken
including calibration check measures, determination of
Method Quantification Limits (MQL), and replicate analysis
of samples. Concentration of heavy metals is expressed as the
mean value (mg⋅kg−1
) of dry weight ± SD of three subsamples
collected from the same source.
3. Results and Discussion
The results of heavy metals analysis in the selected samples
are presented in Table 2.
3.1. Cadmium. The cadmium (Cd) concentration varied
from less than 0.1 to 1.11 mg⋅kg−1
. Cadmium was not detected
in any of the thirteen mint samples. The maximum concen-
trations of Cd detected in parsley, chamomile, basil, sage,
oregano, and thyme were 0.21, 0.82, 1.11, 0.88, 0.35, and
0.63 mg⋅kg−1
, respectively.
Overall, among the 78 herb samples analyzed for cad-
mium, 29% of the samples contained high levels of cad-
mium exceeding 0.3 mg⋅kg−1
, the permissible limit (PL) set
by FAO/WHO for medicinal herbs and plants in different
countries [18, 19]. The cadmium levels in all mint and parsley
samples were below the permissible limit (PL). 55%, 80%,
66%, 9%, and 27% of chamomile, basil, sage, oregano, and
thyme samples, respectively, exceeded the permissible limits
(PL) for cadmium in medicinal herbs and plants. Similar
results of high levels of cadmium in Egyptian and Iranian
medicinal herbs and plants have been reported in earlier
studies [20, 21].
The high levels of cadmium possess a serious toxicologi-
cal effect on human health. Kidney is the critical target organ
in the exposed population. Excretion of cadmium is very
slow and it accumulates in human kidney for a relatively long
time, resulting in an irreversible impairment of the renal tract
[22–24]. At high concentrations, cadmium produces serious
effects on the liver and vascular and immune system [24].
3. Journal of Environmental and Public Health 3
Table2:Concentrationrangeofcadmium,lead,copper,iron,andzinc(mg⋅kg−1
)inherbsamples,andpercentageofsamplesabovepermissiblelimits(PL).
HerbsCadmium(Cd)Lead(Pb)Copper(Cu)∗
Iron(Fe)Zinc(Zn)
Mint
Range(mg⋅kg−1
)∗∗1.44±0.67–9.24±1.023.82±0.02–12.32±0.31150.57±10.34–821.02±17.8312.65±1.05–52.97±2.81
%ofsampleabovePL(𝑛/𝑁)0%(0/13)0%(0/13)0%(0/13)ND7%(1/13)
Parsley
Range∗∗
−0.21±0.07∗∗
−12.83±0.974.21±0.13–13.29±(0.29)81.26±7.00–605.50±14.8719.32±0.35–50.10±1.22
%ofsampleabovePL(𝑛/𝑁)0%(0/13)46%(6/13)0%(0/13)ND7%(1/13)
Chamomile
Range∗∗
−0.82±0.025.37±1.25–11.40±1.326.12±1.03–12.99±0.48188.27±3.72–581.30±41.88925.23±3.56–38.93±3.14
%ofsampleabovePL(𝑛/𝑁)55%(5/9)44%(4/9)66%(6/9)ND0%(0/9)
Basil
Range0.13±0.01–1.11±0.079.01±0.28–16.15±2.531.44±0.53–18.87±1.46185.73±13.02–1101.23±49.4615.22±1.31–112.19±3.44
%ofsampleabovePL(𝑛/𝑁)80%(8/10)90%(9/10)0%(0/10)ND50%(5/10)
Sage
Range∗∗
−0.88±0.0812.66±1.54–21.76±1.335.17±0.03–156.24±1.22204.15±19.62–799.31±36.8524.64±0.53–58.78±2.72
%ofsampleabovePL(𝑛/𝑁)66%(6/9)100%(10/10)18%(2/11)ND36%(4/11)
Oregano
Range∗∗
−0.35±0.029.39±1.77–18.06±2.323.99±0.35–41.64±2.20155.74±4.67–420.52±15.1913.33±2.15–37.28±0.71
%ofsampleabovePL(𝑛/𝑁)9%(1/11)90%(10/11)18%(2/11)ND0%(0/11)
Thyme
Range∗∗
−0.63±0.079.07±0.34–23.52±1.683.52±0.22–13.16±0.33120.75±1.82–764.51±39.1516.50±1.29–146.67±7.57
%ofsampleabovePL(𝑛/𝑁)27%(3/11)91%(11/12)0%(0/12)ND38%(5/13)
%ofallsamplesabovePL29%64%12%ND19%
∗
ChinasetPL20mg⋅kg−1
.
∗∗
ConcentrationbelowMethodQuantificationLimit(MQL):0.1,1mg⋅kg−1
forcadmiumandlead,respectively.
𝑁:totalnumberofsamplesanalyzedforthemetal;𝑛:numberofsamplesabovepermissiblelimits(PL).
ND:setlimitsnotdeterminedforiron.
4. 4 Journal of Environmental and Public Health
3.2. Lead. The content of lead (Pb) in the analyzed samples
ranged from less than 1.0 to 23.52 mg⋅kg−1
. The maximum
concentrations of lead in mint, parsley, chamomile, basil,
sage, oregano, and thyme were found to be 9.24, 12.83, 11.40,
16.15, 21.76, 18.06, and 23.52 mg⋅kg−1
, respectively.
The FAO/WHO maximum permissible limit of lead
in consumed medicinal herbs is 10 mg⋅kg−1
[18, 19]. The
obtained results showed that 64% of the analyzed samples
exceeded this limit. The levels of lead in all mint samples
were below the permissible limits (PL) and ranged between
1.44 and 9.24 mg⋅kg−1
. However, 46%, 44%, 90%, 100%, 90%,
and 91% of parsley, chamomile, basil, sage, oregano, and
thyme, respectively, showed concentrations of lead higher
than 10 mg⋅kg−1
.
High concentration of lead above permissible limits in
medicinal plants and herbs has been reported in other Middle
Eastern countries. The mean lead concentration in most
commonly and commonly used medicinal herbs in Jordan
was found to be 13.9 and 13.1 mg/kg on a dry weight basis,
respectively [23]. Maximum levels of 14.4 mg/kg and 21.7 of
lead were also reported in Egyptian and Iranian spices and
medicinal plants, respectively [20, 21].
Lead is known to be one of the highly toxic environmental
pollutants. It can complex with various biomolecules and
adversely affect their functions. Lead exposure may have an
adverse effect on the blood, nervous, immune, renal, skeletal,
muscular, reproductive, and cardiovascular systems causing
poor muscle coordination, gastrointestinal symptoms, brain
and kidneys damage, hearing and vision impairments, and
reproductive defects [25, 26]. Exposures to lead at early child-
hood and prenatally are associated with slowed cognitive
development, learning deficits, and many other effects [25,
26].
3.3. Copper. The copper (Cu) concentrations varied in a
wide range between 1.44 and 156.24 mg⋅kg−1
. The maximum
concentrations of copper in mint, parsley, chamomile, basil,
sage, oregano, and thyme were 12.32, 13.29, 12.99, 18.87, 156.24,
41.64, and 13.16 mg⋅kg−1
, respectively.
The regulatory limits of the WHO/FAO have not been
established yet for the copper in herbal medicines [27]. China
and Singapore had set limits for copper in medicinal plants
at 20 and 150 mg⋅kg−1
, respectively [27]. In this study, only
12% of the samples exceeded the Chinese limit of 20 mg⋅kg−1
,
where one sage sample showed a value above 150 mg⋅kg−1
limit of Singapore. 66% of the chamomile samples and 18% of
each of the sage and oregano samples exceeded 20 mg⋅kg−1
.
Copper is an essential component of many enzymes,
therefore playing a significant role in a wide range of physio-
logical processes including iron utilization, free radicals elim-
ination, bone and connective tissues development, melanin
production, and many others. Nevertheless, excessive intake
of copper can cause dermatitis, irritation of the upper respi-
ratory tract, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and
liver damage [23, 27].
3.4. Zinc. The concentration of zinc (Zn) in the analyzed
samples ranged between 12.65 and 146.67 mg⋅kg−1
. The max-
imum concentrations of zinc in mint, parsley, chamomile,
basil, sage, oregano, and thyme were 52.97, 50.10, 38.93, 112.19,
58.78, 37.28, and 146.67, respectively. Overall, results revealed
that only 19% of the samples analyzed had concentrations
higher than 50 mg⋅kg−1
, the FAO/WHO permissible limit
(PL) set for zinc in herbal medicines [18, 19]. Out of the
seven different herbs analyzed, 7% of each of mint and parsley
samples, 36% of sage, and 50% of basil samples exceeded the
permissible limits for zinc.
Zinc is an essential trace element necessary for proper
growth, blood clotting, thyroid function, and protein and
DNA synthesis. Little information is available on Zn toxicity;
however, high zinc intake beyond permissible limits produces
toxic effects on the immune system, blood lipoprotein levels,
and copper level [28].
3.5. Iron. The observed range of iron (Fe) in the current study
was found between 81.25 and 1101.22 mg⋅kg−1
. The maximum
concentrations of iron in mint, parsley, chamomile, basil,
sage, oregano, and thyme were 821.01, 605.50, 581.30, 1101.23,
799.31, 420.52, and 764.51 mg⋅kg−1
, respectively.
The WHO limit for iron in medicinal herbs has not
been established yet. The results of the current study show
a wide variation of iron in different herb samples. These
results are comparable to values of iron found in Egyptian
spices and medicinal plants that ranged between 26.96 and
1046.25 mg⋅kg−1
[20].
Iron has several key functions in the human body includ-
ing oxygen supply, energy production, and immunity. Iron
overdose is associated with symptoms of dizziness, nausea
and vomiting, diarrhea, joints pain, shock, and liver damage.
Iron toxicity has an adverse effect on various metabolic
functions and cardiovascular system [23].
Overall the results of analysis showed that heavy metals
were present in varied concentrations in the seven traditional
herbs commonly consumed in the UAE. The concentration
of heavy metals in many cases exceeded the internationally
accepted permissible levels. The wide variations in metal
concentrations in the analyzed herbs could be attributed
to differences in the plant metal uptake and translocation
capabilities. Metal uptake by plants depends on several factors
including the plant species and their stage of growth, the soil
type, and the type of metals absorbed [29, 30]. Studies have
shown wide variations in concentration factor of different
metals among different plant species and sampling sites.
For example, high transfer values of cadmium, copper, and
nickel from soils irrigated with wastewater to food crops were
observed, indicating a stronger accumulation of these metals
by the food crops compared to other metals [31]. Studies
have also shown that plants do not accumulate lead. The
concentration of lead in plants was found to be more corre-
lated to the level of lead in the atmosphere [29, 31]. Another
study that monitored the metallic micronutrients and heavy
metals in herbs, spices, and medicinal plants from Austria
has found that species such as St. John’s wort, poppy, yarrow,
chamomile, and absinth have higher tendency to accumulate
5. Journal of Environmental and Public Health 5
cadmium. Similarly, results of this study have shown higher
cadmium levels in chamomile, in addition to basil and sage
[32]. The bioavailability of metals is influenced by several
factors among which are the soil pH, the metal levels in
the soil, the oxidation reduction potential of the soil, and
other chemical and physical factors [29, 30]. Furthermore,
contamination could occur during storage and/or at the point
of sale. A study was conducted in India to compare the heavy
metals concentration in different Berberis species collected
from their natural habitats and their market samples. Results
have shown that market samples were more contaminated
with heavy metals than natural samples [33]. In general,
herbs can be contaminated during growing, harvesting, and
processing. Sources of heavy metal contamination in herbs
could be linked to water used in irrigation, polluted soils, fer-
tilizers and pesticides, industrial emissions, transportation,
and harvesting and storage processes. The health risk due to
metal contamination, in general, depends on the average daily
dietary intake.
4. Conclusion
In conclusion, the results of this study indicate a potential
health risk of heavy metals to consumers in the UAE over
long-term consumption of contaminated herbs. The findings
of this study also highlight the significance of safety and
hygiene practices and measures starting from the harvest
area of the herbs until they reach the consumer end. It is
evident that there is an urgent need to implement a regular
monitoring and testing program on the quality of the local
and imported herbs sold in the UAE market. Further studies
are required to determine the presence of toxic metals and to
assess their long-term cumulative risk on consumer health.
Conflict of Interests
The authors declare that there is no conflict of interests
regarding the publication of this paper.
Acknowledgment
The authors would like to thank the College of Sustainability
Sciences and Humanities at Zayed University for funding this
study.
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