PHYSICOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS, HEAVY METAL ASSESSMENT, AND GC-MS PHYTOCHEMICAL PROFILING OF SELECTED HERBAL REMEDIES MARKETED FOR PROSTATE CANCER MANAGEMENT IN AWKA, ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA

Herbal remedies are widely consumed in Nigeria as alternatives or complements to conventional treatments for prostate cancer, yet they are largely unregulated and lack standardized quality assurance. This study assessed the physicochemical parameters, heavy metal concentrations, proximate composition, and GC-MS phytochemical profiles of three commercially available herbal formulations, namely Onathec, Ganacin, and PROS-Q, marketed for prostate cancer management in Awka, Anambra State. Sample digestion was performed using aqua regia, followed by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) for heavy metal quantification. Proximate analysis was conducted using standard AOAC methods, and GC-MS analysis was employed for phytochemical characterization. Heavy metal analysis revealed that cadmium (0.024–0.051 mg/kg), copper (0.044–0.130 mg/kg), nickel (0.109–0.149 mg/kg), and lead (≤0.033 mg/kg) were all within WHO/FAO permissible limits. Chromium was below detection limits in all samples. Proximate analysis showed high moisture content (95–99%), low carbohydrate (<1%), lipid (<0.1%), fiber (<1%), and moderate protein levels (~2.5%). GC-MS profiling identified fatty acid methyl esters (methyl oleate, methyl stearate, methyl linoleate) in Onathec and PROS-Q, while Ganacin demonstrated greater chemical diversity, including quinazolinone and heterocyclic derivatives. Notably, phthalate (dibutyl phthalate) and siloxane contaminants were detected in Onathec and Ganacin, respectively, raising concerns about packaging and manufacturing practices. The findings indicate these herbal preparations contain bioactive compounds of potential therapeutic relevance; however, the presence of synthetic contaminants necessitates stricter regulatory oversight and adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) to ensure consumer safety.