Evaluation of Heavy Metals and Microbial Contamination of Selected Herbal Churna Marketed Formulations

Abstract

Herbal formulations are popular in India and across the world due to their medicinal properties. Churna is powdered formulations that are consumed widely due to their low cost and ease of administration. Brahmi Churna, Satavari Churna, and Jethimadh churna of 3 different brand manufacturers were procured from the local market. The main objective of the study is the determination of heavy metals and microbiological evaluation as per Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia. Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy was performed for the detection of heavy metals. Microbial evaluation was done as per Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia. The heavy metal content of 7 out of 9 samples complies with the test for heavy metals. Two samples of Shatavari Churna were above the permissible limit of Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia. The microbial study showed all samples within the allowable limits of Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia. Brahmi Churna and Jethimadh Churna were found to be safe for human consumption. Quality checks of Shatavari churna should be performed to ensure the heavy metals are within the permissible limit.