Determination of the heavy metal contents of frequently used herbal products in Pakistan

Purpose: To determine the heavy metal content of selected local and international herbal medicines sold for the treatment of various diseases in Pakistan. Methods: The different dosage forms of herbal medicines assessed were crude forms of syrups, gel, capsule, powder and tonic. Wet digestion method was used to prepare the herbal samples using nitric acid, and then analyzed for arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg), using MHS-15 mercury/hydride system and flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). Results: The investigated results displayed the Arsenic level (0.00 ppm to 0.580 ppm); Cadmium (0.001 ppm to 0.006 ppm); Lead (0.00 ppm to 1.078 ppm) and Mercury (0.001 ppm to 0.012 ppm). All results were found below the permissible limit of acceptability intake of the World Health Organization (WHO) and American Herbal Products Association (AHPA). The pH of the samples were in the range of 1.52 to 6.99. Conclusion: The findings reveal that the investigated herbal products available in Pakistan are safe with reference to heavy metals, and considered non-toxic for human consumption.

Health effects of selected trace elements in hairdressing cosmetics on hairdressers in Enugu, Nigeria

Could trace elements in hairdressing cosmetics prove carcinogenic to hairdressers, who use them regularly as raw materials in hairdressing business? The toxic effects of selected trace elements contained in hairdressing cosmetics on hairdressers were investigated by regressing the quality of life values for hairdressers with their blood/urine levels of the toxic metals A hundred subjects were randomly drawn from a cluster of hairdressers. Blood lead level, 17.47 ± 4.59 µg/dL, confirmed that the hairdressers were regularly exposed to lead. Mean blood mercury level, 25.06 ± 4.11 ng/dL, was above the normal blood mercury concentration of less than 10–20 ng/mL. Mean blood cadmium level, 3.64 ± 1.87 µg/dL, was within the normal range, < 5.0 µg/dL. Mean urine arsenic level, 96.16 ± 38.34 µg/L, was above normal range, ≤ 50 μg/dL, but within high normal range, > 50 to < 200 μg/dL. Blood nickel level, 0.49 ± 0.20 µg/dL, was above both the healthy range, 0.14–0.65 µg/dL, and the most reliable value of 0.2 µg/dL. Negative correlations existed between the quality of life and levels for lead (R = − .017), mercury (R = − .008), arsenic (R = − .072) and nickel (R = − .168), but there was positive correlation with cadmium level (R = .123). At 0.096, the probability value (p value) for nickel was significant at 10%. P value as insignificant at 1%, 5% and 10% for lead (0.868), mercury (0.940), cadmium (0.224) and arsenic (0.475). Therefore, Ni contained in hairdressing cosmetics might have carcinogenic effects that affected the quality of life of hairdressers, unlike other trace elements tested, namely, lead, mercury, cadmium and arsenic. Further research with the tumor markers assessment is recommended to confirm the carcinogenic effect of Ni.

Histopathological Changes in Chronic Low Dose Organic Arsenic Exposure in Rats Kidney

INTRODUCTION: Exposure to environmental arsenic remains a major public health challenge. Human is exposed to arsenic from groundwater as a result of anthropogenic activities. Chronic exposure to inorganic arsenic has been linked with multiple medical conditions. Therefore, many agricultural countries have shifted the use of inorganic to the organic-based herbicide, monosodium methylarsonate (MSMA). However, with increasing numbers of chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (CKDu), chronic exposure to herbicide is believed as one of the potential explanations. To date, studies on chronic effects of organic arsenic on the kidney are limited. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of chronic oral organic arsenic exposure on the rat’s kidney. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Thirty-six Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into treatment and its corresponding control groups according to the duration of observations either 2, 4 or 6 months. Both groups were subdivided into three subgroups, each with six animals per subgroup. The treatment groups were given oral MSMA at 63.20 mg/kg body weight, while control groups received distilled water. At the end of each duration, blood was collected for the renal profile, urine for neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) marker, and kidney tissues were harvested for arsenic level measurement and histological analysis. RESULTS:Arsenic level and urinary NGAL were higher in all treatment groups than its corresponding control groups. Histological findings showed progressive pathological changes in the glomeruli and proximal tubules. CONCLUSIONS:Chronic oral exposure to low dose organic arsenic has demonstrated evidence of kidney injury in rats.

Assessment of Arsenic Toxicity in Spinacia Plant: Physiological Aspect

Arsenic (As) is a chemical element which has become environmental toxin now days due its presence in large concentration in water and soil. It remains in the environment for an extensive period. Although it is a non-essential element for plant, the rooted plants absorb Arsenic from the soil. Even a trace amount of Arsenic is enough for affecting the plant growth and development. Test sample Spinacia sp. is a green leafy vegetable that belongs to the family Amaranthaceae. It is distributed all over the world. It is a good source of minerals, vitamins, ascorbic acid, carotenoids, phenols and omega 3fatty acid, therefore, called as the power house of nutrients. Background soil prepared with the Arsenic level 0.013mg/kg, treated with three different concentrations of Arsenic 0.02 mg/l, 0.06mg/l and 0.08mg/l showed marked changes in the physiology of test sample in the retention period of 30 days. Percent germination was recorded as 16.6% in the soil containing 0.08mg/l. Synthesis of chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b was recorded on 5th, 15th and 30th day. It was estimated highest 44.343 mg and 17.837 mg in the sample plant grown at the lowest concentration of Arsenic (0.02 mg/l) in the soil. Significantly, this research work addresses the physiological aspect and the results provide scientific understanding of this research area of Arsenic toxicity in soil plant systems.

Ability of Extracts of Spirulina for the Removal of Arsenic from Isolated Liver Tissues of Experimental Rat

Background: Spirulina has several effects in the metabolism of the body. Objective: The purpose of the present study was to see the ability of extracts of spirulina for the removal of arsenic from isolated liver tissues of rat. Methodology: This animal study was carried out on isolated liver tissues of Long Evans Norwegian adult healthy male rats weighing 160 to 200 g. The rats were 3 to 6 months of age obtained from animal house of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh from 2004 to 2005. Measurements and all tasks were performed in a very careful manner. Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer with Hydride Generator was used to measure the arsenic level. A set of freshly washed test tubes was taken. All test tubes contained 2ml tyrode solution and twenty small pieces of liver tissue maintaining 00C. No arsenic was added in test tube I. 2.5 μg/ml arsenic trioxide was added rest of the test tubes. They all were incubated for 45 minutes at 370C. Then the tissues were washed properly. The extracts of spirulina was added at 20 μl/ml dose. Second incubation was also for another 45 minutes at 370C. There were duplicates of all test tubes. Result: The effects of different extracts of spirulina (E1, E2, E4 and E7) on the removal of arsenic from arsenic loaded tissue were recorded. Amount of accumulated arsenic (mean ± se) in blank was 6.04 ± 3.05 μg/g of protein. After administration of 2.5 μg/ml arsenic trioxide in both incubation, the amount of accumulated arsenic was 245.02 ± 22.37 μg/g of protein. Blank was deducted from the standard and the value was considered as control and it was 238.96 ± 19.32 μg / g of protein. The arsenic loaded tissues were incubated with different extracts (E1, E2, E4 and E7) of spirulina in second incubation for another 45 minutes at 370C and each extract was for 20 μl / ml. After E1 extract of spirulina in second incubation, amount of accumulated arsenic was 136.40 ± 14.23 μg / g. There was 14.81% of removal of arsenic. Second incubation with E2 extract of spirulina (20 μl/ml) on arsenic loaded (2.5 μg/ml) tissue showed the amount of arsenic 242.56 ± 16.50 μg/g of protein (mean ± se). There was 12.59% of removal of arsenic. Conclusion: In conclusion extracts of spirulina has a significant ability to remove arsenic from isolated liver tissues of experimental rat. Journal of National Institute of Neurosciences Bangladesh, 2020;6(2): 105-109

Potentially toxic element (PTE) levels in maize, soil, and irrigation water and health risks through maize consumption in northern Ningxia, China

Background Industrial and agricultural activities result in elevated levels of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in the local environment. PTEs can enter the human body through the food chain and pose severe health risks to inhabitants. In this study, PTE levels in maize, soil, and irrigation water were detected, and health risks through maize consumption were evaluated. Methods Maize, soil, and irrigation water samples were collected in northern Ningxia, China. Inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry was applied to determine the contents of six PTEs. Bioaccumulation factor was used to reflect the transfer potential of a metal from soil to maize. Health risks associated with maize consumption were assessed by deterministic and probabilistic estimation. Sensitivity analysis was performed to determine variables that pose the greatest effect on health risk results. Results The levels of Pb and Cr in maize exceeded the standards, while the PTE levels in soil and irrigation water did not exceed the corresponding standards. The bioaccumulation factor values of the six PTEs in maize were all lower than 1 and followed the order of Cd > Zn = As > Cr > Cu > Pb. The hazard index (0.0986) was far less than 1 for all inhabitants implying no obvious non-carcinogenic risk. The carcinogenic risk value was 3.261 × 10− 5, which was lower than the maximum acceptable level of 1 × 10− 4 suggested by United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). Females were at greater risk than males, and the age group of below 20 years had the greater risk among all the groups evaluated. Approximately 0.62% of inhabitants exceeded the level for non-carcinogenic risk, while 8.23% exceeded the level for carcinogenic risk. The As concentration and daily intake of maize contributed 35.8, and 29.4% for non-carcinogenic risk results as well as 61.0 and 18.5% for carcinogenic risk results. Conclusions Maize was contaminated by Pb and Cr, whereas the associated soil and irrigation water were not contaminated by PTEs. Inhabitants would not suffer obvious harmful health risks through maize consumption. Arsenic level and daily intake of maize were the most sensitive factors that impact health risks.

PEMANFAATAN KIJING LOKAL (Pilsbryoconcha exilis) SEBAGAI BIOFILTRASI LOGAM ARSEN (As)

Heavy metals in waters are a threat to living things both biota that are in these waters, as well as on plants and humans that depend on these water sources. Water quality improvement can be done by utilizing local gravestone (Pilsbryoconcha exilis) as a natural filter. In this study consisted of four treatments and three replications. The amount of gravestone weights of 200 grams, 300 grams and 400 grams acts as a treatment that will later be seen its effect on water containing arsenic metal. The results of this study indicate that local gravestone can reduce arsenic levels in waters with a treatment weight of 400 grams showed the best results with the final result arsenic level of 0.0101 ppm and the highest daily growth rate is 200 grams of weight treatment with a market value of 4.40%.

Removal of Arsenic from Isolated Liver Tissues of Experimental Rat by Kalmishak

Background: Kalmishak has some ability of removal of inorganic matter. Objective: The purpose of the present study was to see the ability of Kalmishak for the removal of arsenic from isolated liver tissues of rat. Methodology: This animal study was carried out on isolated liver tissues of Long Evans Norwegian adult healthy male rats weighing 160 to 200 g. The rats were 3 to 6 months of age obtained from animal house of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh from 2004 to 2005. Measurements and all tasks were performed in a very careful manner. Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer with Hydride Generator was used to measure the arsenic level. No arsenic was added in test tube I. 2.5 g/ml arsenic trioxide was added rest of the test tubes. They all were incubated for 45 minutes at 370C. Then the tissues were washed properly. In second incubation, different extracts of kalmishak (C 1and C 2) were added at 20 l/ml dose. Second incubation was also for another 45 minutes at 370C. There were duplicates of all test tubes. Result: When the tissues were incubated with no arsenic in both 1st and 2nd incubation the amount of arsenic was found 6.62 ± 3.40 μg / g (mean ± s.e) of protein and it was considered as blank. The liver tissues of rat loaded with 2.5 μg / ml arsenic were incubated for 45 minutes at 37°C with no extract and the amount of arsenic was 98.32 ± 36.10 μg / g (mean ± s.e) of protein and the value was considered as standard. The blank value was then deducted from the standard and the derived value was considered as control. After exposure with Compound -1 (20 μl /ml) in second incubation for 45 minutes at 37°C, the amount of arsenic was 69.57 ± 7.60 μg / g (mean ± s.e) of protein. There was 13.00% removal of arsenic. Conclusion: In conclusion Kalmishak has the ability to remove of arsenic from isolated liver tissues of rat. Journal of Current and Advance Medical Research 2020;7(2): 55-59

Elevated Urinary Arsenic Level among Residents of an Arsenic-Endemic Area of Southern Thailand and its Related Factors: Three Decades after Mitigation Attempts

Three decades ago, human arsenic (As) contamination has been recognized in Ron Phibun, a sub-district with tin mining activity in southern Thailand. Since then different government bodies have attempted to mitigate the As-contamination problem by providing safe water in households. The most recent study conducted during 2000-2002 reported only a small fraction of population still had high urinary As level. Less attention has been paid to this issue afterwards. The present study aimed to re-assess the current situation, including human As contamination, water use behavior as well as identify risk factors of elevated As concentration among residents of Ron Phibun. The survey of 560 participants living in Ron Phibun with urinary As assessment was conducted. The median urinary As concentration of study participants was higher than normal. Consumption of shallow well water, a source generally considered as As-contaminated, was higher than a previous survey. A significant association was observed between urinary As concentrations and water sources for drinking and cooking. Gender and educational level were found to be associated with urinary As concentration. Significant associations between urinary As concentration and certain diseases (respiratory diseases, dermatitis, and dyslipidemia) were observed. The findings suggested further investigation of all water sources in the area for As contamination.