Phytochemical Properties and Heavy Metal Contents of Commonly Consumed Alcoholic Beverages Flavouredwith Herbal Extract in Nigeria

Abstract

Abstract:There is proliferation of alcoholic beverages flavoured with herbal-extracts that are perceived to have medicinal values. Information on the phytochemical and heavy metal contents of these products is scarce. This study assessed the phytochemical properties and heavy metal contents of herbal-extract flavoured alcoholic beverages in major motor parks in Ibadan, Nigeria. The phytochemical properties of the beverages were determined in triplicate using standard methods, while the heavy metal contents were assessed while using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and means were compared using ANOVA at p < 0.05.The pH range of the beverages was 3.28-6.57 and the alcohol content was 34.0-51.5%. Detected major phytochemicals and concentration ranges were phytic acid (0.72-2.37 mg/g), alkaloids (0.42-4.11 mg/g), flavonoids (0.22-3.64 mg rutin equivalents/g), total phenols (1.13-3.66 mg gallic acid equivalents/g), anthraquinones (0.74-1.93 mg/g),and triterpenoids (0.74-1.93 mg/g). The heavy metal contents were Pb (2.13-4.70 mg/L), Cd (0.06-0.07 mg/L), Co (0.12-0.23 mg/L), Zn (0.14-0.40 mg/L), and Fe (0.72-4.22 mg/L); only Pb and Cd were above the World Health Organization (WHO) limits of 0.01 mg/L and 0.03 mg/L in water, respectively. The herbal-extract flavoured alcoholic beverages contain beneficial phytochemicals and traces of heavy metals. Safety awareness of these products for improved consumers' health would be of public health importance.

Heavy Metals in Alcoholic Beverages Consumed in Awka, South-East Nigeria: Carcinogenic and Non-carcinogenic Health Risk Assessments

“…The concentration of Fe was within the MPL limit of 0.30mg/l (WHO, 2017), which was lower than that reported by Van-Wyk et al, [59] (19.167-632.361 µg/l) and Okareh et al [65] (720-4220 µg/l). Fe can come via water/process container leaching, and in high enough concentrations, it can give the beverage an unpleasant taste.…”

Assessment of Human Health Risk of Potential Toxic Metals in Herbal Concoction Teas Commonly Consumed in Nigeria

“…[20]. While Pb and Cr were lower than those reported [8] in Phytochemical properties and heavy metal contents of commonly consumed alcoholic beverages flavoured with herbal extract in Nigeria. The level of Co obtained in this study is consistent with the result reported [8] while Zn and Fe concentrations were higher.…”

“…In parallel with the increasing interest in the therapeutic benefits of herbal products, there has been an increasing concern over the safety and toxicity of natural herbs and formulations available on the market. There is a widespread misconception that natural herbs and plants are inherently safe; nevertheless, there has been a large volume of reports on incidences of toxicity and adverse effects linked to the use of herbal plants and their formulations in different parts of the world [7,8]. In Nigeria, the herbal concoctions are formulated by soaking the herbal plants in either water or alcohol so as to obtain the plant extracts.…”