Abstract

In the present research work we analysed branded formulation of Pakistani herbal medicines for detection of arsenic. The samples were collected from local market of Swabi, KPK, Pakistan. These samples were manufactured by well known herbal industries of Pakistan and the products are famous among the public. All the samples were analysed by atomic absorption spectrometer equipped with MHS-10 flow injection system. In comparison with international permissible limit for plants materials, all the tested samples were found not to be accumulating the arsenic in toxic concentration, even some of the products were totally free of arsenic contents. The daily consumption of arsenic from these products was calculated from recommended manufacturer dose. The daily consumption of arsenic (As) from our tested products was in the range of 0.2 to 57 µg/day. The highest accumulation of As was noticed against Typhex (28.5 to 57 µg/day) followed by Biomint(17.82 µg/day), Injabar (9.24 µg/day) and Y-lin (8.90 µg/day). In conclusion the tested products have not any toxic level of arsenic contamination.

Key words: Arsenic, herbal medicine, Swabi, atomic absorption spectrometer.