Presence of heavy metals of some selected neutraceutical products and their quality control assessment

Abstract

Neutraceutical is combination of two words nutrition and pharmaceutical. The right amount of Neutraceutical is taken for the optimal healing and with fewer side effects. A Neutraceutical is a substance can be used in necessity of vitamins required by the body in order to full fill the demand of food which can be a curative as well as therapeutically used. This research was conducted to check the percentage of trace elements of zinc, copper iron, and lead, in the seven Neutraceutical products by the help of atomic absorption spectrum which are frequently used by the public of Quetta city i-e capital of Province of Baluchistan. The Physio-chemical properties like thickness, diameter, weight variation, dissolution, friability, are also checked and compared to the specification given in USP and BP pharmacopeia to find out that during manufacturing SOPs are followed or not. The seven empty bottles were selected to make solution of Neutraceutical in different products we washed every tablet with methanol in order to protect these bottles from germs, dust or any other contamination. The results obtained by quality control tests indicate that there was much deviation in the weight variation and hardness among these tablets of same batch but no deviation between thickness and diameter of these tablets. The result obtained by atomic absorption showed that percentage of these trace elements was more or less than the recommended limits when compared to specification given in USP and BP pharmacopeia. The concentration of these elements has much concern with the therapeutic efficacy of the Neutraceutical. The high concentration of lead is very much toxic to the lungs, liver and kidney. As well as the high concentration of iron, copper, zinc also affect the normal physiology of human being. It was concluded from this research that SOPs were not followed during manufacturing. So manufacturer should take consideration in respect to these formulations, SOPs should be followed as well as pre formulation studies and quality control tests should performed during all development procedures.