Table 2.
Prevalence of the heavy metals in the Ayurvedic medications (n = 42)
| SN | Heavy metals | Median (range) ppm (μg/g) or (mg/kg) | Values (n) higher than permissible limita | Undetectable (0.00) level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mercury | 13.52 (0.00–61 095.99) | 29 | 13 |
| 2 | Arsenic | 0.00 (0.00–1038.83) | 6 | 36 |
| 3 | Lead | 1.40 (0.00–57.09) | 2 | 8 |
| 4 | Zinc | 84.2200 (26.48–22 519.03) | 35 | 0 |
| 5 | Iron | 1356.21 (128.24–136 835.25) | NA | 0 |
| 6 | Copper | 17.1450 (0.00–12 756.86) | NA | 1 |
| 7 | Chromium | 20.9050 (0.00–2717.58) | NA | 4 |
| 8 | Cadmium | 0.00 (0.00–0.00) | 0 | 42 |
aThe permissible limit set by the FAO/WHO for herbal medicines was followed, i.e. 10 μg/g for arsenic and lead, 1 μg/g for mercury, 0.3 μg/g for cadmium, and 50 μg/g for zinc. The permissible limit for iron, copper, magnesium, and chromium in medicinal herbs has not been established yet. NA: not applicable.