Heavy Metal Contaminants in Yerberia Shop Products
Authors
Michael Levine
Department of Medical Toxicology, Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ USA
Jason Mihalic
Office of Public Health Chemistry, Arizona Department of Health Services, Phoenix, AZ USA
Anne-Michelle Ruha
Department of Medical Toxicology, Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ USA
Robert French
Department of Medical Toxicology, Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ USA
Daniel Brooks
Department of Medical Toxicology, Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ USA
Keywords:
Heavy metal, Yerberia, Contaminant, Toxicity, Herbal
Abstract
Complementary and alternative medications, including the use of herbal medications, have become quite popular in the USA. Yerberias are found throughout the southwest and specialize in selling Hispanic herbal products. The products sold in these stores are not regulated by any governmental agency. Previous reports have found Ayurvedic medications contain high levels of lead, mercury, and arsenic. The primary purpose of this study is to examine the prevalence of heavy metal contaminants sold at Yerberia stores in the southwest. Yerberias in the Phoenix, Arizona area were identified via search of an on-line search engine using the words "Yerberia Phoenix." Every second store was selected, and products were purchased using a standard script. The products were subsequently analyzed for mercury, lead, and arsenic. The main outcome is the prevalence of heavy metal content in over-the-counter "cold" medications purchased at a Yerberia. Twenty-two samples were purchased. One product contained pure camphor (2-camphone) and was subsequently not further analyzed. Of the 21 samples analyzed, lead was found in 4/21 (19.4 %). Arsenic and mercury were in 1/21 (4.8 %) each. Because two samples contained two heavy metals, the total prevalence of heavy metals was 4/21 (19.4). Heavy metal contaminants are commonly encountered in over-the-counter herbal "cold" medications purchased at Yerberias in the southwest.
Keywords: Heavy metal, Yerberia, Contaminant, Toxicity, Herbal
Author Biography
Michael Levine, Department of Medical Toxicology, Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ USA
Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Southern California, 1200 North State Street #1101, Los Angeles, CA 90033 USA
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