Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy based toxicological risk assessment of cadmium and lead in Tinospora cordifolia

Abstract

Introduction: Tinospora cordifolia is a climbing shrub with medicinal properties that have been traditionally used in various traditional Chinese medicine. Additionally, Tinospora cordifolia has been found to possess phytoremediation properties, enabling it to accumulate heavy metals. However, the toxicological risk assessment of heavy metals accumulated in Tinospora cordifolia, specifically in its use as a vasorelaxant, anti-microbial, anti-diabetic, and anti-inflammatory agent, has not been thoroughly studied. Methods: To assess the toxicological risk of heavy metals in Tinospora cordifolia, we extracted an aqueous extract from the leaves using a Soxhlet-based method. The concentrations of cadmium and lead in the aqueous extract were then determined using optical emission spectroscopy with inductively coupled plasma (ICP-OES). Results: Our study found that the concentrations of cadmium and lead in the aqueous extract from Tinospora cordifolia were high, but still slightly below WHO-allowed concentrations. However, even at these lower concentrations, continued ingestion or exposure to Tinospora cordifolia may lead to the accumulation of highly toxic substances in human cells. The possible toxic effects of cadmium and lead on human health may include bone mineralization, glomerular damage, emphysema, neuropathy, insomnia, elevated blood pressure, and reduced fertility. Discussion: Further in-situ toxicity assessments of accumulated heavy metals in Tinospora cordifolia on various microorganisms and cell lines are highly recommended. Additionally, future studies should investigate the long-term effects of using Tinospora cordifolia as a medicinal herb, particularly in regard to its potential to accumulate heavy metals. Overall, our findings highlight the importance of conducting toxicological risk assessments of medicinal plants to ensure their safety for human consumption.

Keywords

• Tinospora cordifolia
• Herbal extract
• Heavy metals
• Inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectroscopy