Abstract
The determination of Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Na, Zn, and Pb by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES) was performed on dry matter and decoctions of the medicinal plants Cordia salicifolia, Chiococca alba (L.) Hitchc., and Echites peltata used as an appetite suppressant and diuretic in Brazil. The accuracy of the measurements was analyzed by the spike recovery test. Results showed that the concentration of these seven metals (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Na, and Zn) in dry plant samples is below the oral concentration of elemental impurities established by the United States Pharmacopoeia Convention (USP). However, there are no concentration limits for Fe, Na, and Zn established by the USP in drug substances and excipients. Levels higher than the recommended value by the USP were observed for Pb and the lowest for Cd, Co, Cr, and Cu, both in dried plant samples and their decoctions. In the decoctions prepared from these plants were found elements such as Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Na, Zn, and Pb. In the decoction prepared from 40 g C. salicifolia leaves and 40 g C. alba wood, the content of Cd is above the oral daily exposure value set by the USP. Hazard index (HI) for decoctions prepared from these plants exceeded the threshold (1). Given the uncertainties associated with the estimates of toxicity values and exposure factors, futures researches should address the possible toxicity in humans. Uncontrolled selling and long-term ingestion of medicinal plants can cause toxicity and interfere with the effect of drugs. Limited knowledge on the interaction potential of medicinal plants poses a challenge and public health problem in Brazil and other countries.
Highlights
Medicinal plants are widely used in the treatment of several diseases, as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals [1]
E content of Cd ranged between 0.7 ± 0.1 μg/g in E. peltata branches and 0.3 ± 0.06 μg/g in C. alba wood (Table 6). e content of Cd in E. peltata branches is below the limit of detection (Table 6). e permitted concentration of impurities such as Cd set by the United States Pharmacopoeia Convention (USP) was 5.0 μg/g [33], and after comparison with other medicinal plants, it is found that the Cd content in the plants used in this study is below this limit [33]
E lowest content of Cr was in C. salicifolia leaves, that is, 0.9 ± 0.1 μg/g, and the maximum concentration of 1.3 ± 0.1 μg/g was in C. alba wood and that of 1.0 ± 0.03 μg/g was in branches of E. peltata (Table 6). us, the Cr content in these plant samples is below the permitted concentration of impurities for drug substances and excipients established by the USP (1100 μg/g) [20]
Summary
Medicinal plants are widely used in the treatment of several diseases, as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals [1]. E use of medicinal plants and phytonutrients or nutraceuticals has increased rapidly worldwide in recent years [2]. Except for India, Bulgaria, and Nepal, few countries have medicinal plant quality and control regulations [6]. E legislation on herbal medicines was revised to prepare new Brazilian standards [7]; BioMed Research International the permissible limit of heavy metal concentration in medicinal plants is not yet established. Effects of some organic compounds and their products present in medicinal plants on human health are not well known. Erefore, controlling heavy metal concentrations in both medicinal plants and their decoctions or infusions should be made to ensure the safety and effectiveness of herbal products [9] Effects of some organic compounds and their products present in medicinal plants on human health are not well known. erefore, controlling heavy metal concentrations in both medicinal plants and their decoctions or infusions should be made to ensure the safety and effectiveness of herbal products [9]
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