Heavy Metals and Health Risks Associated with Consumption of Herbal Plants Sold in a Major Urban Market in Southwest, Nigeria

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Although herbal medicines play an important role as a source of medicine, concerns have been raised about the risks posed by consumption of these plants, especially if consumed above permissible levels. OBJECTIVES: This study was undertaken to assess the level of exposure, toxicity and health risk associated with the consumption of herbal plants in Ado Ekiti urban market, Nigeria. METHODS: Ten commonly consumed herbal plants sold in Ado Ekiti urban market were subjected to heavy metal analysis. Health risk assessment was carried out to determine the estimated daily intake (EDI) of heavy metals, health risk index (HRI), target hazard quotient for non-carcinogenic risk and estimation of cancer risk (ECR). RESULTS: (unacceptable). For both children and adults, there is a call for concern due to ECRs above the acceptable range; the consumption of these herbal plants poses a long-term cancer risk. CONCLUSIONS: In both children and adults, ECRs for some of the herbal plants in the present study above the acceptable range present a risk to human health. The consumption of such herbal plants poses a long-term cancer risk. COMPETING INTERESTS: The authors declare no competing financial interests.