Herbs and spices are sources of many bioactive compounds that can improve the taste of foods as well as their influence on digestion and metabolism processes. They can also contain some undesirable components that can be harmful, e.g. micotoxins, pesticides, heavy metals, and polycyclic carbohydrates residues. The objective of this study was to determine metals content in the most popular spices and herbs used in local market in Erbil. The content of these metals was assayed by Atomic absorption spectrophotometric method. The study showed differences in metal concentration according to the plant part (Rhizomes, Seed, Leaf, and fruit). The concentration ranged on dry basis were :

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This study was aimed to estimate nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), and adenosine deaminase (ADA) in the serum of hypertensive patients. Fifty patients (25 males and 25 females) age 40-70 diagnosed with hypertension involved in the study. Fifty healthy individuals, who had no hypertension in the last year, were identified as the control group. NO, MDA and ADA have performed accordingly. MDA was higher with aging and gender in hypertensive patients. Serum level of MDA was higher in females compared with male due to oxidative stress more in female than a male with aging. ADA was higher among hypertensive with aging, though no significant differences among gender. Serum level of NO was lower with aging with no significant differences among gender.