Considerations regarding the presence of heavy metals in medicinal plants and their health risks

Abstract

The presence of heavy metals in some species of medicinal plants is currently one of the important issues related to their use in various therapeutic purposes. Contamination with metal residues of the medicinal plants is mainly due to the phenomena of soil, water, air pollution and can be an environmental problem but also a health risk. Prolonged use of herbal supplements, teas, extracts or tinctures may be associated with the risk of accumulating large amounts of heavy metals in the body which can become toxic or dangerous.

Keywords

• heavy metals
• medicinal plants
• health risks