Atomic absorption spectrometric determination of heavy metals in Indian system of medicine used against cold and fever

Ramesetti Nageswara Rao, Pasha

Abstract

Toxic (Pb, Cd,Hg, Pd andCr) aswell as essential (Zn,Mn,Ni, Co,Cu and Fe) heavy metals in different types of Allopathic (Paracetamol and Citrazine hydrochloride), Ayuurvedic (Mruthyunjaya Ras and Shwaskuthar Ras), Unani (Habb-eMubarak, Qurs-e Nazla and Habe-Surfa) and Homeopathic (Bryonia-200 andAlliumCepa-200)medicine commonly used against cold and fever were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). The contents ofCr,Hg, Pb and Fe in formulations procured fromdifferentmarket outlets were found beyond theWHO permissible limits.Ayurvedic formulations when compared to Unani, Homeopathic andAllopathy contain higher amounts ofHg and Pb. Unani andAyurvedic formulations had higher quantities of Fe compared toAllopathic and Homeopathy.