Hematological screening of heavy metals among patients of asthma using medicinal herbs in Karachi, Pakistan

Prevalence and concentration of some toxic (Pb, Cd, and As) and essential metals (Zn, Cu, Cr, Ni, and Co) were determined in the blood samples collected from asthmatic patients in Karachi, Pakistan using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. All selected patients were habitual of taking crude drugs and home remedy as self medication to treat and prevent asthma. We detected large proportion of the patients with detectable levels of heavy metals. The percentage prevalence of Pb, Cr, Ni, and Co, were found 100% while that of As and Cd were 55% and 60% respectively. Atomic absorption spectroscopic data showed the presence of metals in the analyzed samples in the range of 0.00-37.08 μg/dl for As, 8.1-41.4μg/dl for Pb, 0.0-9.6μg/l for Cd, 2.0-55.6μg/l for Cr, 20.0-85.9μg/l for Ni, and 0.15-3.6 μg/l for Co. The study will be helpful in creating awareness regarding the use of quality herbal medicines in asthma. It is suggested that along with avoidance of other risk factors, reliance on the use of quality traditional medicines free from heavy metal contamination is very essential especially incase of bronco asthmatic conditions.