TRADITIONAL AYURVEDIC TABLETS MAY CONTAIN HEAVY METALS
Journal Title: Hygeia:journal for drugs and medicines - Year 2017, Vol 9, Issue 2
Abstract
Plan: Several authors have reported the presence of alarmingly high levels of heavy metals like lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury in ayurvedic medicines. Ayurveda employs several classes of medicines, among which gulika (tablets) are an important one. However, it is not known whether traditional ayurvedic pills are free from heavy metals. The present study was therefore, undertaken to study the heavy metal content of some representative ayurvedic tablets manufactured using herbs. Methodology: Samples of ayurvedic tablets were obtained from the market and the content of lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury was determined using ICP-MS. Outcome: Among the 16 Ayurvedic tablets analyzed, 4 failed for lead, 2 for arsenic and 6 for mercury. All the tested samples had cadmium below the limit set by Government of India. A review of the available reports and the present study support the contention that tablets are the worst affected ayurvedic dosage form. Urgent measures are to be taken to control this problem.
Authors and Affiliations
ALEX THOMAS, D. Suresh Kumar
Keywords
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- EP ID EP334124
- DOI 10.15254/H.J.D.Med.9.2018.170
- Views 30
- Downloads 0
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