Assessment of Heavy Metals in Pharmacological Important Medicinal Plants Consumed in the Bannu District, Pakistan

ABSTRACT

This study assesses the contents of heavy metals in the four most commonly used indigenous medicinal plants in the Bannu District, Pakistan. The rapid appraisal approach was used along with semi-structured interviews with elderly people and herbalists for selection of indigenous plants. Heavy metals were determined via flame atomic absorption spectrometer by acid digestion of samples. Four medicinal plants were selected after interviews of 53 local residents and herbalists. Plant and soil samples were obtained for evaluations from a wastewater zone (WWZ) and a clean water zone (CWZ). Indigenous plants from the WWZ showed considerably higher metal contents compared to the CWZ. The trend of metals for indigenous medicinal plants grown in clean water was Mn > K > Na > Zn > Co > Fe > Cu while for wastewater the trend appeared as Co > K > Na > Zn > Fe > Mn > Cu. An alternative significant extent of research is needed to qualify the assessment of the human health insinuations of consumption of indigenous remedies. The heavy metal content of administering herbal medicine should be screened, as formulation and processing of medicine may affect heavy metal contents of the remedies.

Key Words:

• heavy metals
• bio-accumulation
• medicinal plants
• pharmacology, Pakistan