scholarly journals A Health Risk Assessment of Lead and Other Metals in Pharmaceutical Herbal Products and Dietary Supplements Containing Ginkgo biloba in the Mexico City Metropolitan Area

Author(s):  
Patricia Rojas ◽  
Elizabeth Ruiz-Sánchez ◽  
Camilo Ríos ◽  
Ángel Ruiz-Chow ◽  
Aldo A. Reséndiz-Albor

The use of the medicinal plant Ginkgo biloba has increased worldwide. However, G. biloba is capable of assimilating both essential and toxic metals, and the ingestion of contaminated products can cause damage to health. The aim of this study was to investigate the safety of manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), arsenic (As), and cadmium (Cd) in 26 items containing Ginkgo biloba (pharmaceutical herbal products, dietary supplements, and traditional herbal remedies) purchased in the metropolitan area of Mexico City. Metal analysis was performed using a graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometer. All of the products were contaminated with Pb, 54% of them with As, and 81% with Cd. The lowest values of Pb, As, and Cd were detected in pharmaceutical herbal products > dietary supplements > traditional herbal remedies. The daily intake dose (DID) of pharmaceutical herbal products was within the established limits for the five metals. Dietary supplements and traditional herbal remedies exceeded the DID limits for Pb. The hazard quotients estimation and non-carcinogenic cumulative hazard estimation index for Mn, As, and Cd indicated no human health risk. Our results suggest that products containing G. biloba for sale in Mexico are not a health risk.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tasneem Sarwar ◽  
Sardar Khan ◽  
Said Muhammad ◽  
Javed Nawab ◽  
Shehla Amin ◽  
...  

Abstract Arsenic (As) is one of the toxic metalloids therefore can cause health risk in the consumers through consumption of contaminated food and rice. The current study focused on As speciation in rice, bioavailability, mechanisms and its potential human health risk. For this purpose, rice and soil samples were collected from 16 different districts (non-mining and mining) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Pakistan). Soil physicochemical characteristic such as texture, electrical conductivity (EC), organic matter (OM), pH, iron (Fe) and phosphorus (P) were determined. Total arsenic (AsT) concentrations were analyzed using ICP-MS, while the arsenite (As3+), arsenate (As5+), arsenobetine (BAs), dimethylarsenic (DMA) and monomethyl arsenic (MMA) were determined by HPLC–ICP-MS method. Results showed the highest AsT (0.28 mg/kg) was observed in the rice samples of DI Khan District and lowest (0.06 mg/kg) in Shangla District. However, these findings were found within the permissible limits set by various authorities. Furthermore, results showed higher concentrations of inorganic As (Asi) than organic As (Aso) species in rice. The estimated daily intake (EDI) and incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILTCR) were used to evaluate the potential human health risk for As consumption in rice. Results revealed that the rice samples collected from the district having mining activities had higher value of As (0.28 mg/kg of AsT) as compared to non-mining (0.072 mg/kg of AsT). The highest ILTCR value (0.00196) was observed for rice collected from mining districts. This study revealed that mining activities have great influence on the As contamination of soil and grown rice. This study recommends the soil amendment in districts having mining activities to lower As availability in soil and its bioaccumulation in growing rice that will help to keep lower the potential risk.


1995 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 214-220 ◽  
Author(s):  
Varro E Tyler

Objective: To provide an overview of basic information required by pharmacists to advise patients on the proper use of selected herbs and phytomedicines (“dietary supplements”) as therapeutic agents. Data Sources: The vast literature on this topic in the English, German, and French languages has been researched by the author over a period of many years. Databases that were used include NAPRALERT and MEDLINE. Study Selection: Articles and books dealing with the current popularity of botanical medicine and with laws and regulations covering so-called dietary supplements, as well as information on selected toxic herbs and a few of the most popular beneficial herbs used for treating common ailments and syndromes. Data Synthesis: Studies suggest that many herbal products currently available are both safe and effective drugs. A few products on the US market are definitely unsafe for human consumption and use. Conclusions: The increasing popularity of botanicals, coupled with regulations that prohibit definitive labeling, requires pharmacists to acquire accurate information based on scientifically and clinically acceptable data to advise patients on their use. Useful remedies for several common ailments and information concerning their safety and usefulness provide a starting point for an understanding of this complex field.


2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 8-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Uchechi Bliss Onyedikachi ◽  
Donatus Chuka Belonwu ◽  
Mattew Owhonda Wegwu

Abstract In view of ensuring healthy agricultural foods for human consumption, this study assessed the human health risk implicated in selected heavy metals in some commonly consumed vegetables, tubers, nuts and fruits grown around the quarry sites at Ishiagu, Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Samples from agriculture area of Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria, constituted the control. The concentration of Mn, Zn, Fe, Cu, Cd, and Pb, were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry. The potential non-carcinogenic health risk for consumers which included Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) and Target Hazard Quotients (THQ) for Pb, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cd and Cu while carcinogenic health risk using Cancer Slope Factors (CSF) was established for Cd and Pb. Relative abundance of heavy metals across the locations and all samples was in the order Fe > Mn > Zn > Pb > Cu > Cd. There was statistical significant effect of quarrying activities on the concentration of the heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Zn, Pb, Cu, Cd) at p < 0.05 level. Based on the observed bioconcentration factors, cassava showed more hyperaccumulation potential compared to other samples. Pumpkin and bitter leaf also could be used in remediation owing to their high bioaccumulation index for Pb and Zn. THQ obtained for Mn and Pb were >1 indicating that the residents at the quarry site may be exposed to potential non-carcinogenic health risk due to Mn and Pb intoxication. With respect to US EPA prescriptions, average carcinogenic risk values obtained for Pb and Cd in this study indicated a lifetime (70 years) probability of contracting cancer suggesting that they be placed for further consideration as chemicals of concern with respect to the assessed locals.


Author(s):  
Agnieszka Gruszecka-Kosowska

The presence of potentially harmful elements (PHEs) in popularly consumed fruits in Poland was determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, Se, Sb, Tl, and Zn contents were investigated in 21 fruit species grouped as berry, pome, stone, and shell fruits. The PHE contents belonged to the following ranges (mg/kg wet weight): Cd < limit of detection (LOD)–0.116, Co < LOD–0.062, Cu < LOD–15.5, Ni < LOD–2.23, Pb < LOD–2.07, Sb < LOD–0.240, Tl < LOD–0.110, and Zn 0.37–37.7. Their concentrations exceeded the maximum allowable concentration (MAC) set by European Union regulation for Pb only. Bioconcentration coefficient (BC) values, calculated in accordance to the PHE contents in exchangeable and acid soluble forms in soil after first step of the Community Bureau of Reference (BCR) sequential extraction procedure, revealed that berry fruits had potential for accumulation of Cu, Ni, Sb, and Tl; stone fruits—Cu, Sb, and Tl; pome fruits—Cu, Ni, and Sb, and shell fruit (walnut)—Cu. Human health risk assessment associated with the intake of PHEs in fruits was evaluated in terms of daily intake rates (DIR), and carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk by cancer risk (CR) and hazard quotient (HQ), respectively. For Pb margin of exposure (MOE) approach was used for health risk evaluation. Daily intake rates for all PHEs were below the provisional maximum tolerable daily intake (PMTDI) values. The mean total non-carcinogenic risk values were the following: berry fruits HQ = 0.47, pome fruits HQ = 0.36, stone fruits HQ = 0.42, and shell fruits (walnut) HQ = 0.22, indicating no health hazards. The carcinogenic risk for As in walnut only under an adult intake scenario (CR = 1.98 × 10−6) was found to be above the acceptable risk level. The mean Pb health risk, according to Polish statistical intake rates, was acceptable low as the MOE value was equal to 15.7 for adults. In reference to the intake rates recommended by United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), MOE values for Pb indicated acceptable low risk both for adults (MOE = 14.0) and children (MOE = 1.64). In general, the finding of this research revealed no health risk arising from PHE consumption with fruits for the population of Poland.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 249-261 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zafar Iqbal Khan ◽  
Ilker Ugulu ◽  
Shagufta Sahira ◽  
Naunain Mehmood ◽  
Kafeel Ahmad ◽  
...  

Abstract In the present study, the effects of untreated wastewater and associated health risks were assessed in an abundantly consumed vegetable, Luffa cylindrica. In this direction, trace metal accumulations in L. cylindrica samples irrigated with three different water regimes (municipal wastewater, groundwater, and canal water) were determined. The metal levels were defined by atomic absorption spectrophotometer equipped with a graphite furnace and D2 corrector. Trace metal concentrations in L. cylindrica samples were in the range of 7.91–9.01, 3.78–4.22, 0.54–0.63, 39.18–43.27, 15.76–20.82, 29.04–42.49, 6.96–8.24, 5.85–7.72, 4.06–4.39 and 0.18–0.42 mg/kg for Mo, As, Se, Fe, Cu, Zn, Ni, Pb, Cd and Co, respectively. The health risk index values of As, Cd, Pb, Mo, Ni, Se and Co; and pollution load index values of As, Mo, Ni, Cu, Cd and Pb were high, indicating possible phytotoxicity. As had the highest value for the pollution load index suggesting high-risk levels. High levels of some metals could be an alarm call for consumers as the vegetable is irrigated with untreated wastewater.


2014 ◽  
Vol 644-650 ◽  
pp. 5183-5187
Author(s):  
Wan Jun Fu ◽  
Gui Lan Ma

119vegetable samples were collected from Jiutai County vegetable production base, and Pb concentrations were measured using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer (GF-AAS). Results showed that the average Pb of vegetable was 0.05 mg·kg-1fresh weight, with only 1.5% above the Safety Requirements. Single-factor contaminant index was utilized for assessment. It was found that vegetable Pb order as following: leaf vegetables>fruit vegetables, dark vegetables>light vegetables. The average daily intake (DI) Pb of per standard person was urban 18.6 ug•d-1and rural 16.7 ug•d-1, as well as economical family 19.1 ug•d-1and poor16.3 ug•d-1, indicating that vegetable Pb in Jiutai County were safety. The Pb health risk was assessed based on the target hazard quotients (THQ). The study showed that THQurban=THQhigh>THQmedium>THQlow=THQrural, indicating the health risk via vegetable consumption in rural was relative lower than that in unban area. Assessment results proved that the vegetables Pb in this area is no health risk to persons.


1970 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 84-96
Author(s):  
AKMM Islam ◽  
MT Rahman ◽  
M Ahmed ◽  
MAU Chowdhury ◽  
A Khair ◽  
...  

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) refers to a broad set of health care practices that are not part of a country’s own tradition and are not integrated into the dominant health care system. Herbal remedies, dietary supplements, acupuncture, homeopathy, ayurveda, unani, traditional Chinese medicine, prayer, yoga and meditation are the common examples. CAM therapies often represent an enormous area of unregulated and widely practised therapeutics with an inadequate scientific literature. However, there is emerging evidence that some of the CAM therapies are effective in certain clinical conditions. Presently, throughout the world, there is rampant growth of CAM industries, and increasing number of reputed pharmaceutical companies are producing herbals and dietary supplements. Herbal products used for cardiovascular purposes include garlic, hawthorn, ginkgo, horse chestnut and arjun. These substances are often popularly believed to be ‘natural’, hence safe. But adverse reactions including deaths have been reported with some of the CAM products. There is also growing concern for significant drug interaction among commonly used herbals, dietary supplements and cardiovascular drugs. At present, CAM therapies may best be regarded as an adjunct to standard medical care. More scientific research and strict regulation by standard national and international authorities are needed to ensure their efficacy and safety in cardiovascular care. Key words: Complementary and alternative medicine, Herbals, Cardiovascular care. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v1i1.8211 Cardiovasc. j. 2008; 1(1) : 84-96


Food safety is of great concern in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria because of its pollution levels. Shell fish is one of the major diets of the people of Rivers State and they affect a large market and customer target in the region. This study was aimed at assessing the human health risk from consuming oysters bought from different markets in Rivers State namely; Creek Road market Borokiri, Mile 3 Market and Choba Market while Oysters harvested from ARAC (Buguma) were used as control. Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Cobalt (Co) and Nickel (Ni) were analysed in all samples using the Atomic absorption spectrometer. Cobalt had the highest concentration in all the samples from the markets except Mile 3 market, it ranged from 0.011-0.014mg/kg, while Lead ranged from 0.007-0.012 mg/kg, Chromium ranged from 0.008-0.010 mg/kg, Nickel ranged from 0.008-0.021 mg/kg and Cadmium ranged from 0.001-0.007mg/kg .The Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) of these metals were calculated, Target Human Quotient (THQ) and Hazard Index (HI) derived. EDI values were within tolerable limit. THQ and HI calculated indicated likely risk from oyster consumption since the values obtained were above the threshold of one (1) for lead, Cobalt and Cadmium, long term consumption may lead to health risk.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 140-150
Author(s):  
Ali Heshmati ◽  
Freshteh Mehri ◽  
Javad Karami-Momtaz ◽  
Amin Mousavi Khaneghah

The concentration of potentially toxic elements (PTEs), including lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu), among 160 samples of black and green tea—both bagged and loose-leaf—in Iran was determined using a graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer (GF-AAS). Besides, the transfer rate of PTEs from made tea into tea infusion was investigated, and the related health risk for consumers was assessed. According to the results, the content of the PTEs is dependent on the type of tea (black or green), the place of cultivation (Iran or India), and the supplied form (both bagged and loose-leaf). The concentration of Pb, Cd, and As in green tea was significantly lower than black tea (P-value < 0.05). On the other hand, the contents of Zn and Cu in green tea were higher than the corresponding values for black tea. The mean concentration of Pb, As, and Zn in bagged tea samples was significantly higher than those of loose-leaf tea, while the Cd and As levels in Iranian tea samples were significantly lower than the Indian samples. Generally speaking, the mean concentration of Pb, Cd, As, Zn, and Cu were 0.59 ± 0.12, 0.12 ± 0.06, 0.16 ± 0.12, 14.23 ± 4.90, and 11.10 ± 2.49 mg kg?1, respectively. The mean transfer rates of Pb, Cd, As, Zn, and Cu were 7.78, 6.29, 9.27, 12.91, and 13.08%, respectively. The estimated daily intake (EDI) and noncarcinogenic quotient (target hazard quotient [THQ]) due to the ingestion of PTEs besides the carcinogenic risk of As and Cd were considered as acceptable.


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