INTRODUCTION:

A metal is a word which is derived from Greek called as métallon^[1][2] .Metal is a material (an element, compound, or alloy) that is typically hard, opaque, shiny, and has good electrical and thermal conductivity. About 91 of the 118 elements in the periodic table are metals. Metals are mainly divided into five types based upon its nature ^{[3] [4]}^[5]. Some metals adopt both structures depending on the temperature.^[6].

S. No	Type of metals	Nature	Example
1	Base metal	Metal that oxidizes or corrodes relatively easily, and reacts variably with dilute hydrochloric acid (HCl) to form hydrogen	iron, nickel, lead and zinc
2	Ferrous metal	The term "ferrous" is derived from the Latin word meaning "containing iron".	Iron
3	Noble metal	Noble metals are metals that are resistant to corrosion or oxidation	gold, platinum, silver, rhodium, Iridium and palladium
4	Precious metal	A precious metal is a rare metallic chemical element of high economic value. Chemically, the precious metals are less reactive than most elements	Gold, silver, palladium, ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, osmium, iridium, and platinum.
5	Heavy metal	A heavy metal is any relatively dense metal or metalloid and toxic to the human body.	Arsenic, lead etc

According to IOM recommended guidelines the adequate intake of minerals are given below along with their advantageous and disadvantages ^[7-22]

Recommended adequate intake by the IOM for Minerals mg/day
Age	Ca	Cr mcg/day	Cu	Fe	Pb Mcg/day	Mg	Ni	K	Na	Zn
0-6 months	200	0.2	0.20	0.27		30		400	120	2
7-12 months	260	5.5	0.22	11		75		700	370	3
1-3years	700	11	0.7	7		80		3000 -4500	1000	3-8
4-8 years	1000	15	1	10		130		4500 -4700	1200	8-11
9-18 years	1300	25	1.3	8		240	100-300	4700	1500	13
19-50 years	1000	35	1.5	11		410	400-600		1500
51-70(male)	1000	35	1.7	8		400	500-700		1500
51-70(female)	1200	30	1.7	8		420			1200-1300
71+ years	1200		1.7

S. No	Name of the metal	Deficiency	Toxicity
1	Ca	Insomnia, anxiety, nervousness, depression, fatigue, muscle / joint pains, muscle spasms / cramps, stomach acid, osteoporosis, seizures, birth defects, miscarriage, high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat,	Arteriosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, arrhythmia, ischemic heart disease and stroke, hypertension, low stomach acid, depression, fatigue, glaucoma, higher risk for several cancers, muscle / joint pains, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, calcification, dry skin, constipation
2	Cr	Reduced glucose tolerance / impaired glucose metabolism, weakened immune system, increased susceptibility for infections (e.g. bladder, left tonsil), trabecular bone loss,	Spinal / joint degeneration, depressed immune system, lymphatic swelling
3	Cu	Anemia, increased susceptibility for infections, weakened immune system, hormonal disorders, increased risk for (colon) cancer, miscarriage, trabecular bone loss, inflammatory joint disease	Wilson's disease, anemia, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, moodiness, violent behavior, ADD / ADHD, depression, confusion, weight gain, hemangiomas, arthritis, joint / spinal degeneration,
4	Fe	Fatigue, anemia, depression, dizziness, asthma, gastrointestinal disorders, pale skin, miscarriage, amenorrhea (failure to menstruate), dysmenorrhea, (painful periods), migraineheadaches, Ménière's disease,	Hemochromatosis, migraineheadaches, arthritis, high blood pressure, heart disease, liver disease, dizziness, gastrointestinal disorders, nausea, higher risk for several cancers, fibroid tumors, benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH),
5	Pb	---	lead toxicity is the nervous system, both in adults and children. damage to the brain and kidneys. reduce fertility, delayed puberty
6	Mg	Irregular heartbeat, cardiovascular disease, anxiety, insomnia, nervousness, fatigue, muscle / joint pains, osteoporosis, seizures, high stomach acid, asthma, high blood pressure,	Cardiovascular disease, arrhythmia, cardiac arrest, coma, muscle spasms, joint / spinal degeneration, bone loss, low stomach acid, low body temperature, low blood pressure, higher risk for several cancers,
7	Ni	Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), low blood pressure, depression, liver disease, anemia, low stomach acid, sinus congestion, fatigue, low adrenals	Angina, skin rash, hypoglycemia, decreased estrogen, shortness of breath, asthma, nausea, lowered pulse, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, stomach irritation, increased protein in urine, increased red blood cells, heart failure
8	K	Irregular and/or rapid heartbeat, palpitations, high blood pressure (hypertension), shortnessof breath, asthma, heart disease, chest pains, stroke, paralysis, muscle spasms / weakness, bladder weakness, edema (water retention), kidney disease,	Irregular or slow heart beat, low blood pressure, kidney disease, cystitis - bladder infections or burning, higher risk of several types of cancer, infrequent menstrual cycles, muscle spasms orcramps, ovarian cysts (right), joint / back pains, weakened immune system, impotence, anxiety, insomnia, irritability, reactive hypoglycemia, coma.
9	Na	Fatigue, depression, mental apathy, low bloodpressure, headaches, dehydration, confusion, dizziness, arthritis, kidney stones, seizures, In some cases: greater risk for LDL-related heart disease, high blood pressure, or edema.	Edema, hypertension, stroke, dizziness, gout, headaches, kidney damage, kidney stones, stomach problems, nausea, vomiting, coma
10	Zn	Decreased growth, loss of taste and smell, sterility, low sperm count, decreased wound healing, skin rash, hair loss, heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease, muscle weakness, enlarged prostate (BPH), several types of cancer, calcium spurs, paralysis, high blood pressure, arthritis,	Nausea, vomiting, dehydration, stomach ulcers, gastrointestinal problems, prostatitis, higher risk of several types of cancer, loss of libido, impotence, joint / back pain, muscle weakness / cramps, anemia, dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain), ovarian cysts (left), numbness, tingling, tremors, seizures, insomnia, irritability, weakened immune system, hair loss.

World health organization currently encourages, recommends and promotes traditional/herbal preparation in National Health Programmers because such drugs are easily available at low cost, are comparatively safe and the people have faith in such remedies. Some traditional medicine/herbal preparation with ancient formulas have been found to contain some metals, such as lead, cadmium, mercury, arsenic, lithium etc. Even though the herbal preparations are safe, but some of the herbal preparations cause serious poisoning and toxic effect, due to the preparations containing dangerous toxic drugs or metals. Both medical professional and the general public should be alerted to the potential toxicity of herbal preparation. There should be frequent monitoring of herbal preparations, containing toxic drugs or metals.

The objective of the study was to determine the concentration of metals in plants that are used in medicine by the local community. Analysis of the metal in selected plant samples was performed by ICPOES and Flame photometry of metals at different wavelengths respectively

METHOD AND METHODOLOGY:

COLLECTION AND AUTHENTICATION OF PLANT MATERIAL

MATERIALS REQUIRED:

CHEMICALS REQUIRED:

Milli Q water, Standard Reagent Bottles 1000ppm, Conc Nitric Acid.

INSTRUMENTS REQUIRED:

ICPOES, Heating Mantles, Hot plate

GLASSWARE REQUIRED: Beaker (50ml and 100ml), Volumetric Flasks (20ml,25 ml, 50ml and 100 ml), Glass Rods, Micro Pipettes, Pipettes (1ml,5ml,10ml), (500 ml) Round Bottom Flask and Condenser.

MISCELLANEOUS: Test tube stand, test tube holders, filter paper, butter paper, spatula, thermometers, stands, tissue paper, zip pouches, markers, gloves, labels, cotton swabs, disinfectant etc.

COLLECTION AND AUTHENTICATION OF PLANT MATERIAL:

The plant material murraya koenigli, coriandrum sativum and menthe spicata was collected in the month of may 2018 from local market in madinaguda, Hyderabad.

PREPARATION OF ASH EXTRACT:

Method: The leaves were shade dried for seven days . These weighed5gms each and placed into silica crucible and then placed into muffele furnace at the temperature of 600ºc about one hour and cool for room temperature .

PROCEDURE FOR ESTIMATION OF METALS:

Preparation of extract sample (ash digestion):

Ash extract of the extract was weighed and transfer into 50 ml of beaker. Then add 5ml of conc. HNO₃ and placed it on hot plate until the organic fumes were completely stopped. Then add 25 ml of water for acid digestion on hot plate. Digestion to be taken until 50% of the sample was too evaporated and remaining sample was filtered and makeup to 50 ml, and gone for furthered dilutions.

Preparation of standard:

The standard reagent 1000ppm was purchased from The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) from Pune. From the standard reagent bottles (1000ppm) there were furthered dilutions into 0.5, 0.75, 1 ppm was prepared.

CALUCULATION:

The amount metals(ppm)=conc of the test X dilution factor / weight of the test taken

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION:

ASH YIELD OF THE EXTRACT:

S. No	Name of The Plant	Percentage Yield (%)
1	MURRAYA KOENIGLI	3.4%
2	CORIANDRUM SATIVUM	5.6%
3	MENTHE SPICATA	4.2%

WEIGHT TAKEN FOR METAL ANALYSIS:

S. No	Name of the extract	Weight taken gms
1	MURRAYA KOENIGLI	5.12
2	CORIANDRUM SATIVUM	5.22
3	MENTHE SPICATA	5.63

METAL ANALYSIS BY FLAME PHOTOMETER

S. No	Name	Sodium	Potassium	Calcium
1	Murraya koenigli	1730ppm	35100ppm	3200ppm
2	Coriandrum sativum	5887ppm	33100ppm	4200ppm
3	Menthe spicata	6366ppm	22000ppm	4200ppm

DISCUSSION:

As per the plant ash extracts the percentage yield in ascending order murraya koenigli (3.4 %) >menthe spicata (4.2%) > coraindrum sativam (5.6%)

ZINC:

Zinc is an essential trace element for humans, animals, microorganisms and for plants. It is the second most abundant transition metal in organisms after iron. Most zinc is in the brain, muscle, bones, kidney, and liver, with the highest concentrations in the prostate and parts of the eye.

It is the only metal which appears in all enzyme classes and found in nearly 100 specific enzymes. It is considered as of "exceptional biologic and public health importance", especially regarding prenatal and postnatal development

Semen is particularly rich in zinc, which is a key factor in prostate gland function and reproductive organ growth.

Symptoms of mild zinc deficiency include depressed growth, diarrhea, impotence and delayed sexual maturation, alopecia, impaired appetite, and reproductive teratogenesis etc. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stated that zinc damages nerve receptors in the nose, which can cause anosmia.

Excess zinc can be harmful, and cause zinc toxicity to occur at ingestion of greater than 225 mg of Zinc.Excessive absorption of zinc can suppress copper and iron absorption.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stated that zinc damages nerve receptors in the nose, which can cause anosmia.

Tolerable Upper Intake Level UL: 4mg -40mg

Our experiments revealed that zinc was present at murraya koenigli <menthe spicata < coraindrum sativam levels in these extracts.

These levels of zinc are far lower than the toxicity level.

CALCIUM:

Calcium is essential for living organisms, in particular in cell physiology, where movement of the calcium ion into and out of the cytoplasm functions as a signal for many cellular processes. As a major material used in mineralization of bone, teeth and shells, calcium is the most abundant metal by mass in many animals.

Symptoms of hypocalcemia include numbness and tingling in the fingers, muscle cramps, convulsions, lethargy, poor appetite, and abnormal heart rhythms if left untreated, calcium deficiency leads to death.

Inadequate calcium intake causes osteopenia which if untreated can lead to osteoporosis. The risk of bone fractures also increases, especially in older individuals.

Excessive consumption of calcium carbonate antacids/dietary supplements (such as Tums) over a period of weeks or months can cause milk-alkali syndrome, with symptoms ranging from hypercalcemia to potentially fatal renal failure. Persons consuming more than 10 grams/day of CaCO3 (=4 g Ca) are at risk of developing milk-alkali syndrome,

Tolerable Upper Intake Level UL of calcium is: 1000mg -3000mg.

The experimental results indicated that murraya koenigli <menthe spicata = coraindrum sativam were present.

Therefore the levels of calcium present in these three tested samples are safe and give only beneficial effects.

Iron:

Iron is a necessary trace element found in nearly all living organisms. Iron-containing enzymes and proteins, often containing heme prosthetic groups, participate in many biological oxidations and in transport.

The WorldHealth Organization (WHO) estimates that approximately half of the 1.62 billion cases of anemia worldwide are due to iron deficiency.

Large amounts of ingested iron can cause excessive levels of iron in the blood. High blood levels of free ferrous iron react with peroxides to produce free radicals, which are highly reactive and can damage DNA, proteins, lipids, and other cellular components. Thus, iron toxicity occurs when there is free iron in the cell, which generally occurs when iron levels exceed the capacity of transferrin to bind the iron

Tolerable Upper Intake Level UL: 40mg- 45mg:

The experimental results indicated that murraya koenigli <menthe spicata < coraindrum sativam were present.

These provide beneficial effects and do not cause any toxicity.

COPPER:

Numerous antimicrobial efficacy studies have been conducted in the past 10 years regarding copper's efficacy to destroy a wide range of bacteria, as well as influenza A virus, adenovirus, and fungi.

Copper is also found in many superoxide dismutases, proteins that catalyze the decomposition of superoxides, by converting it (by disproportionation) to oxygen and hydrogen peroxide:

Deficiency of copper in animals has resulted in anemia, osteoporosis, delayed wound healing and the development of aortic aneurysms, and loss of hair color.

Acute copper toxicity, such as that following the ingestion of more than 15 mg of elemental copper, has been associated with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and intestinal cramps. Intravascular hemolysis has occurred with larger ingestions.

Tolerable Upper Intake Level UL: 1mg- 10mg

The experimental results indicated that murraya koenigli < coraindrum sativam <menthe spicata were present.

The amounts are within the limits.

CHROMIUM:

Humans require chromium in trace amounts, although its mechanisms of action in the body and the amounts needed for optimal health are not well defined Chromium is known to enhance the action of insulin, a hormone critical to the metabolism and storage of carbohydrate, fat, and protein in the body

Few serious adverse effects have been linked to high intakes of chromium, so the Institute of Medicine has not established a Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for this mineral. A UL is the maximum daily intake of a nutrient that is unlikely to cause adverse health effects. It is one of the values (together with the RDA and AI) that comprise the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) for each nutrient

Tolerable Upper Intake Level: 200 mcg -5,000 mcg:

The experimental results indicated that coraindrum sativam <menthe spicata< murraya koenigli <were present.

The quantities are in safe limits.

NICKEL:

Nickel plays important roles in the biology of microorganisms and plants. Plant enzyme urease (an enzyme that assists in the hydrolysis of urea) contains nickel.

Nickel deficiency causes hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), low blood pressure, depression, liver disease, anemia, low stomach acid, sinus congestion, fatigue, low adrenals

Tolerable Upper Intake Level UL: 200 mcg -1,000 mcg

Most of the nickel absorbed every day by humans is removed by the kidneys and passed out of the body through urine or is eliminated through the gastrointestinal tract without getting absorbed. Nickel is not a cumulative toxicant; however, larger doses or chronic exposure may be dangerous for human health and may represent an occupational hazard due to their acute toxicity and carcinogenicity.

Tolerable Upper Intake Level UL: 200 mcg -1,000 mcg

The experimental results indicated that coraindrum sativam < murraya koenigl <menthe spicata were present.

The amounts of nickel are well within the UL values therefore safe to consume.

POTASSIUM:

Potassium levels influence multiple physiological processes Resting cellular-membrane potential and the propagation of action potentials in neuronal, muscular, and cardiac tissue.

Potassium Deficiency causes irregular and/or rapid heartbeat, palpitations, high blood pressure (hypertension), shortnessof breath, asthma, heart disease, chest pains, stroke, paralysis, muscle spasms / weakness, bladder weakness, edema (water retention), kidney disease, liver disease, endometriosis, frequent menstrual cycles, high blood sugar, weight gain, fatigue, impotence.

Tolerable Upper Intake Level UL: 300mg -15,000mg

The experimental results indicated that menthe spicata <coraindrum sativam < murraya koenigl were present.

Our estimation of potassium revealed that the amounts of potassium are well within the UL valus therefore safe to consume.

SODIUM:

In humans, sodium is an essential nutrient that regulates blood volume, blood pressure, osmotic equilibrium and pH; the minimum physiological requirement for sodium is 500 milligrams per day.[50] Sodium chloride is the principal source of sodium in the diet, and is used as seasoning

Sodium deficiency leads to fatigue, depression, mental apathy, low bloodpressure, headaches, dehydration, confusion, dizziness, arthritis, kidney stones, seizures, In some cases: greater risk for LDL-related heart disease, high blood pressure, or edema.

Tolerable Upper Intake Level UL: 1,500mg -2,300mg

Excess sodium intake leads to edema, hypertension, stroke, dizziness, gout, headaches, kidney damage, kidney stones, stomach problems, nausea, vomiting, coma

The experimental results indicated that murraya koenigl < coraindrum sativam < menthe spicata were present.

The results proved that amounts of sodium are well within the UL valus therefore safe to consume.

MANGENESE:

The deficiency is common: and found in 2.5–15% of the general population. The primary cause of deficiency is decreased dietary intake: Other causes are increased renal or gastrointestinal loss, an increased intracellular shift, and proton-pump inhibitor antacid therapy.

Health Risks from Excessive from food does not pose a health risk in healthy individuals because the kidneys eliminate excess amounts in the urine.

Tolerable Upper Intake Level UL: 65mg -360mg

The experimental results indicated that murraya koenigl < coraindrum sativam < menthe spicata were present.

Overdose from dietary sources alone is unlikely because excess magnesium in the blood is promptly filtered by the kidneys

LEAD:

Lead is a highly poisonous metal (whether inhaled or swallowed), affecting almost every organ and system in the body. The component limit of lead (1.0 μg/g) is a test benchmark for pharmaceuticals, representing the maximum daily intake an individual should have. However, even at this low level, a prolonged intake can be hazardous to human beings.

Recommended not more than: The component limit of lead (1.0 μg/g)

Our experimental results indicated that murraya koenigl < coraindrum sativam < menthe spicata was present.

In consideration with reported lead toxicity with many herbal preparations and rejections of exports from India by many countries particularly the US, emphasis is given on lead amounts. . The maximum limit of lead in Beta vulgaris is more than permitted. However before drawing a conclusion from the results, it is to be assessed carefully based on the areas of cultivation, the effect of industrial pollution and utilization of large samples.

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Received on 16.04.2019 Accepted on 30.04.2019

Asian J. Pharm. Ana. 2019; 9(2):82-88.

DOI: 10.5958/2231-5675.2019.00016.4

Comaprative Study of Metal Analysis
S. No	ELEMENTS	*Murraya koenigli (PPM)*	*Coriandrum sativum (PPM)*	*Menthe spicata (PPM)*
1	Arsenic (As)	ND	ND	ND
2	Zinc (Zn)	6.4	13.9	10.1
3	Lead (Pb)	ND	0.4	0.9
4	Cadmium (Cd)	ND	ND	ND
5	Nickel (Ni)	1.3	1.2	1.6
6	Ferrous (Fe)	162.2	353.3	292.3
7	Manganese (Mn)	28.1	38.4	63.1
8	Chromium (Cr)	3.1	1.6	2.2
9	Copper (Cu)	2.5	6.4	11.8
10	Aluminium (Al)	258.8	426.0	420.7