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C. Beena*, P.V. Sindhu and P. Sindhumole
All India Coordinated Research Project on Medicinal, Aromatic Plants and Betelvine, College of Agriculture, Kerala Agricultural University, KAU P.O., Vellanikkara, Thrissur-680656, Kerala, India
Email: beenac2@gmail.com
Received-26.05.2025, Revised-10.06.2025, Accepted-24.06.2025
Abstract: Triphalachoornam, a classical Ayurvedic polyherbal formulation composed of the dried fruits of Emblica officinalis, Terminalia bellirica, and Terminalia chebula, is well known for its therapeutic properties. Given increasing concerns over heavy metal contamination in herbal preparations, this study evaluated ten commercial samples of Triphalachoornam for their heavy metal and micronutrient profiles using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES). Eleven elements were quantified—six essential micronutrients (Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu) and five potentially toxic heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb, Hg)—and compared against WHO/FAO safety limits. Sixty percent of the samples complied with permissible levels, while the remaining 40% exceeded limits for Chromium and Nickel. These findings highlight the need for stringent quality control and regulatory surveillance in the herbal product industry to safeguard consumer health and ensure product integrity.
Keywords: Triphalachoornam, Heavy metals, Micronutrients, Elemental profiling, Herbal formulation safety
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