ESTIMATION OF METALS IN HERBAL LEAVES BY ASH EXTRACTS BY USING ICP-OES AND FLAME PHOTOMETER

The acceptance of remedies in any system of medicine depends upon their efficacy and non-toxicity. There were many reports of rejecting Indian herbal products in various countries because of higher levels of heavy metal content than permitted.

Though few are regarded as essential,some heavy metals, especially cadmium, mercury and lead, are potentially hazardous due to their intrinsic or selective toxicity, particularly in environmental contexts.

In view of the importance of herbal drug standardization, it was contemplated to carry out the heavy metal determination in murraya koenigli,coriandrum sativum and menthe spicata leaves which were procured from local market..The metals like copper, iron, magnesium nickel, sodium and zinkin the ash  extracts of them by ICPOES.

Its an alarming bell for humankind if the heavy metal content is more than permitted in common edible commodities. Further study may require understanding the factors influencing the heavy metal content in commonly used vegetables.