Estimation of Heavy Metals and Microbiological Quality of Locally Manufactured Herbal Products in Bangladesh

The current research was carried out to determine the concentration of heavy metals and microbiological quality in Bangladeshi herbal products used for the treatment of various ailments. For these purposes twenty four herbal products have been collected from the local market of Bangladesh which is manufactured by Sri Kundeshshari Aushadhalaya Ltd. Chittagong, Sadona Aushadhalaya Ltd. Dhaka, Sri Durga Aushadhalaya Ltd. Chittagong, Shakti Aushadhalaya Ltd. Dhaka. Heavy metals have been determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer [AAS] and microbial parameters have been detected by applying standard analytical method. The concentration of heavy metals namely Lead [Pb], Cadmium [Cd], Copper [Cu], Zinc [Zn], Nickel [Ni], Cobalt [Co], Manganese [Mn] and Iron [Fe] have been identified in the range of [0.0-1.75] ppm, [0.0- 0.27] ppm, [0.27-2.54] ppm, [1.31-28.67] ppm, [0.18-1.28] ppm, [0.00- 0.00] ppm, [1.55-6.83] ppm, [9.21-142.85] ppm respectively. All of the samples except K[3] [Tables 3 and 4] have not crossed their acceptable limit of heavy metals according to manufacturer doses for daily consumption. The total viable count [TVC] of the samples was ranged from nil to 1.92×10[4] CFU/ml and the total yeasts and moulds count were found nil to 1.68×10[2] CFU/ml. Salmonella or Escherichia coli was not present in any of the samples. The microbial quality of the herbal drugs was satisfactory limit according to United States Pharmacopoeia [2006][1]

Assessment of heavy metals concentration in some selected medicinal plants collected from BCSIR, Chittagong cultivation area in Bangladesh

This survey was carried out with the aim to assess the level of heavy metals i.e. Lead [Pb], Cadmium [Cd], Chromium [Cr], Cobalt [Co], Nickel [Ni], Copper [Cu], Zinc [Zn] and Manganese [Mn] in different medicinal plants grown at BCSIR, Chittagong cultivation area in Bangladesh during 2010-2011. Atomic absorption spectrometry was used to estimate and evaluate the levels of these metals. The results of this survey showed that the average concentrations detected were ranged from 0.01 to 3.25, 0.01 to 2.01, 0.88 to 5.30, 3.09 to 27.58, 0.41 to 3.50, 0.0 to 8.5, 4.5 to 24.5 and 3.14 to 16.22 mg/kg for Pb, Cd, Cr, Mn, Ni, Co, Zn and Cu respectively. The highest levels of Pb, Cd, Cr, Mn, Ni, Co, Zn and Cu were detected in Ashoka [Ashok], Malabar nut [Basok], Wild basil [Kalo Tulsi], Indian buttercup [Sarpoganda], Asparagus [Satomuli], and Wild basil [Kalo tulsi] respectively. The results of the investigation will be guideline for the users, collectors and practitioners of medicinal plants obtained from the polluted areas for human consumption