Atomic absorption spectrophotometric analysis of heavy metals in Acacia catechu willd

Aim and objective: The present study was undertaken to analyze the heavy metal content of this extract with respect to four toxic heavy metals As, Pb, Hg and Cd using Atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). Background: Acacia catechu willd. is an indigenous plant having tremendous medicinal properties and well reviewed in Indian literature. Ethanolic extract of Acacia catechu bark and heartwood has already been reported to possess many pharmacological activities but there are no reports on heavy metal analysis of this extract. Result: The findings of this study was compared with prescribed limits of these metals in WHO guidelines and the content of all these heavy metals were found to be within safe limits. Conclusion: These findings indicate that the ethanolic extract of Acacia catechu bark and heartwood is safe from the point of view of heavy metal toxicity and being a good source of antioxidants this extract have the possibilities to be used in combination therapy along with a good chelating agents for reversal of heavy metal toxicities.