Abstract

ESTIMATION OF HEAVY METALS FROM SHANKH-VATI TABLET

Suvarna S. Dhebe*, Avinash M. Bhagwat, Satish S. Deshpande and Sunil V. Garad

Abstract

Heavy metals are natural components of the Earth‟s crust. They cannot be degraded or destroyed. Eight common heavy metals are discussed in this brief: arsenic, barium, cadmium, chromium, lead, mercury, selenium, and silver. Even these metals do not have any biological role, they remain present in our body harms human body and its functioning. As all ayurvedic formulation contains large amount of heavy metals due to the herbal ingredients used for preparation. One of the ayurvedic formulation from among formulation i.e. Shankh-vati tablet. We have studied the amount of heavy metals present in shankhvati tablet. Shankh-vati is and ayurvedic classical formulation available in tablet form which is used to manage the digestive disorders. It is also used to resolve the various problems like anorexia, vomiting, gastritis etc. Natural ingredients used in this medicine help to balance the tridoshas in body. Shankh-vati totally contains 15ingredients. Mainly parad (mercury) is mostly used in ayurvedic formulation. Mercury is present in large amount in ayurvedic formulation. Along with determination of heavy metals, limit test for iron and sulfate is also done. Sulfate occur as microscopic particles(aerosols) resulting from fossil fuel and biomass combustion. They increase the acidity of the atmosphere and form acid rain. The limit test has passed which confirms that heavy metals in shankh-vati tablet is in limit. Also other metals like iron and sulfate are in limit.

Keywords: Shankh-vati Tablet, Heavy Metals, Toxicity, Mechanisms of Heavy Metals, Limit tests.