Heavy Metals (Cu, Fe, Ni and Zn) in Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicines Bought from Selected Shops from Peninsular Malaysia

Authors: Chee Kong Yap*, Nurelly Mohd Rihan, Wan Hee Cheng, Rosimah Nulit, Salman Abdo Al-Shami and Wickneswari Ratnam,

Volume 3, Issue 4

Abstract

A total of 20 Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine (TCHM) was bought randomly from shops in three states of Peninsular

Malaysia. All of these samples were analyzed for Cu, Fe, Ni and Zn concentrations. Based on samples collected from

selected shops in Peninsular Malaysia, the levels of Cu, Fe, Ni and Zn in the TCHM samples were comparable to reported

studies of TCHM products in the literature. The levels of essential Fe and Zn were found to be higher than the levels of the

essential Ni and Cu. The present levels of the 20 TCHM products from Malaysia can serve as important baseline

information for future reference in the establishment of MRLs of the four less common heavy metals in Malaysia as well

as in this region. Therefore, it is difficult to conclude whether the TCHM products are safe from contamination of Cu, Fe,

Ni and Zn since the MRLs for Cu, Fe, Ni and Zn have not been recommended by WHO. Future regular monitoring, quality

control and adequate regulatory measures of TCHM products for heavy metals are necessary.

Keywords: Heavy metals; Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicines; Malaysia

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