Heavy Metal Content of a Polyherbal Drug: Any Exposure-associated Public Health Risks?

Godswill J. Udom, Oluchi F. Obilor, Uduak P. Ise, Nkechi J. Onyeukwu, Anwanabasi E. Udoh, Ayodeji Aturamu, Omoniyi K. Yemitan
2022 Journal of Health Sciences and Surveillance System  
Heavy metal contaminations of herbal formulations have constituted a public health challenge in the sub-Saharan Africa region and even in some developed nations. The study aimed to evaluate the public health concerns of chronic exposure to a polyherbal drug suspected to contain heavy metals. Methods: This is an experimental study. Heavy metals were measured using Solaar-Thermo-Elemental Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Human health risk assessment was estimated by calculating the estimated
more » ... aily intake, target, hazard quotient (THQ), health index (HI), carcinogenic risk (CR) of exposure to the polyherbal drug. Results: The results showed the presence of metals in this order: Cd1. Ni and Cr had the highest cancer risk; total cancer risk was above the safe limit. Conclusion: Since herbal medicines/dietary supplements are not under compulsory regulation by international, national, and local health regulatory authorities, these products must be manufactured using the highest manufacturing standards to ensure their safety among the end-users. Our findings suggest the likelihood of significant non-carcinogenic adverse health effects among adolescents, adults, and the geriatric population due to exposure to a mix of toxic metals, necessitating utmost caution on its chronic use. If policy formulations and implementations regarding the safety of herbal medicines and associated products prior to their circulation are ensured, public health will be protected and significantly improved.
doi:10.30476/jhsss.2021.93527.1457 doaj:d658a5b6b8dc443299bb69d921a1406b fatcat:fnsccdb3orajpjpd5fcc6dhczm