Zigau J Biomed & App Sci FUD (2025) 4:1
Keywords: Traditional medicine, heavy metals, permissible limits and contamination.
2025-05-15 DOI: JOBASFUD_2025_4_1_001
Background: Nigerians use a lot of herbs because of their availability and potential medical benefits. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the level of heavy metal residues in the commonly sold traditional medicinal herbs in some Local Government Areas’s of Bauchi State, Nigeria. Methods: A total of ten (10) powdered samples of medicinal preparations were purchased from the local markets of Katagum (Azare), Jammare, Misau and Itas/Gadau Local Government areas in Northern part of Bauchi State. The levels of lead, chromium, cadmium, and mercury in the samples were determined. After the samples were digested, the concentration of heavy metals was measured using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Results: Metals found to be present varied in concentrations in the herbal samples. The presence of heavy metals ranges as follows: 0.21-9.22mg/kg for cadmium, 0.22-6.70mg/kg for chromium 0.42-5.21mg/kg for mercury and 2.50-14.23mg/kg for lead. However, the content of lead was not detected in some samples. The findings of the study concluded that the values of cadmium appeared to be of highest concentration exceeding WHO limits in sample J which is used as a remedy to treat dizziness, thus making the sample highly contaminated amongst others. The values of Lead (pb) were not detected in four of the samples (A, C F and J), where it appeared, it was above (10,12 and 14mg/kg) and below (2.3, 9.1, 9.2mg/kg) the limits set by World Health Organization (10mg/kg). Conclusion: All the herbal samples were free from mercury contamination except for sample G which is used as a remedy for malaria, thus making the nine samples free from mercury contamination.