Comparative evaluation of some commercially available brands of pharmaceutical preparations for Na, K and Mg concentrations

ABSTRACT

A study was carried out to investigate the concentrations of macro-elements [Na[+], K[+] and Mg[+2]] in twelve commercially available pharmaceutical preparations used as sex stimulant, by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. A wet digestion method was adopted to prepare the samples. The results indicated that sodium concentration was maximum [3702 +/- 29 micro g g[-1]] in LB and minimum [495 +/- 06 micro g g[-1]] in H-E-H. Potassium concentration was maximum [6337 +/- 13 micro g g[-1]] in NBA while minimum [150 +/- 06 micro g g[-1]] in ZGRA. Magnesium concentration was maximum in V-100 [9226 +/- 11 micro g g[-1]] and minimum in FGRA [1194 +/- 25 micro g g[-1]]. The concentration of macro-elements in the imported herbal preparations was in the order of Mg>Na>K and in the local herbal preparations as follows Mg>K>Na. Some of these herbal preparations contain high level of macro-elements than the recommended daily dietary allowances. The excessive use of such preparations may cause severe allergic reactions, kidney damage and pulmonary atherosclerosis