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  DOI Prefix   10.20431


 

International Journal of Research Studies in Biosciences
Volume 7, Issue 1, 2019, Page No: 14-21

pH Variation, Mineral Composition and Selected Trace Metal Concentration in Some Liquid Herbal Products Sold in Nigeria

Ayobami O. Aigberua1, Sylvester Chibueze Izah2*

1.Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.
2.Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.

Citation : Ayobami O. Aigberua, Sylvester Chibueze Izah, pH Variation, Mineral Composition and Selected Trace Metal Concentration in Some Liquid Herbal Products Sold in Nigeria International Journal of Research Studies in Biosciences. 2019, 7(1) : 14-21.

Abstract

This study investigated the levels of pH, minerals (calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium) and trace metals (nickel, iron, zinc, lead and cobalt) in nine herbal medicines produced in Nigeria. Samples for metals were processed, digested and analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry while phosphorus content was analyzed colorimetrically. The pH was analyzed electrometrically using pH meter with probe. The mean levels of metal in the liquid herbal medicine samples (alkaline earth metals viz: calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium, and trace metals viz: nickel, iron, zinc, lead and cobalt). Test parameters depicted the range of 3.00 - 5.09 pH, 0.44 - 10.76 mg/l phosphorus, 2.03 - 202.68mg/l potassium, 2.04 - 26.38 magnesium, 7.04 - 9.74 mg/l sodium and 14.33 - 109.55 mg/l calcium. The trace metals were in the range of < 0.001 - 0.068mg/l nickel, < 0.001 - 0.024mg/l zinc, < 0.001 - 0.177 mg/l cobalt and 1.302 - 27.081 mg/l iron. The occurrence of nickel, zinc, lead, iron and cobalt in the liquid herbal medicine were 22.22%, 22.22%, 0.00%, 100% and 33.33% respectively. Analysis of variance showed that there was significant variations (p< 0.05) among the various herbal medicine products apart from lead which was not detected in all the samples. Results obtained for test parameters were within the level that could not induce significant toxicity on consumers. However, some of the products were yet to be registered with the National Association of Traditional Medicine Practitioner of Nigeria (a Nigerian agency regulating the activities of traditional medicine practitioners), and National Agency for Food, Drug and Administration and control (a Nigerian Agency regulating food and drugs). Hence, the need for a more stringent regulation and surveillance of the products become pertinent.


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