Analysis of mercury in Malaysian herbal preparations

Abstract

The DCA (Drug Control Authority) in Malaysia started implementing the phase three registration of traditional medicines on 1st January 1992 with special emphasis on the quality, efficacy and safety in all pharmaceutical dosage forms of traditional medicinal preparations. The rhizome of Smilax luzonensis is eaten as an aphrodisiac in the Malaysian community. This study was conducted to analyse the mercury content of 100 pharmaceutical dosage forms of S. luzonensis that were purchased in the Malaysian market, using cold vapour atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Results show that 86% of the products complied with the quality requirement for traditional medicinal preparations in Malaysia with particular reference to mercury content. Mercury, which has adverse effect on the male reproductive system, is present in 14% of the products examined, which calls for urgent action by the Malaysian government towards rectifying the abnormality.

Journal of Medicine and Biomedical Research Vol. 4 (1) 2005: pp. 31-36