Heavy metal content analysis of herbal plants gathered in various parts of Faisalabad, Pakistan

In recent decades, herbal therapies derived from plants have become increasingly popular, particularly in disadvantaged countries with limited access to western medical care. Due to their lower adverse effect risk, less cost, and greater accessibility, herbal medications are gaining appeal globally, especially in economically poor developing nations. After being harvested and transformed into herbal medicines, heavy metals in medicinal and aromatic plants are absorbed by individuals and accumulate in various organs. Toxic heavy metals may affect the heart, lungs, liver, and brain, which can be fatal. Because of this, it is necessary to limit hazardous heavy metals in herbal medicinal supplies. Six herbs Adhatoda vasica, Bacopa monnieri, Ocimum sanctum, Emblica officinalis, Terminalia arjuna, and Glycyrrhiza glabra were tested for their levels of nickel, chromium, mercury, cadmium, lead, and arsenic. As a consequence of our research, we found that the content Ni, Pb, Cr, As, Cd and Hg in Adhatoda vasica, Bacopa monnieri, Ocimum sanctum, Emblica officinalis, Terminalia arjuna, and Glycyrrhiza glabra is lower than what is allowed by the World Health Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization.

Keywords:

Medicinal plants , heavy metals , Human Impacts