EVALUATION OF HEAVY METAL, PHYTOCHEMICAL, AND PROXIMATE COMPOSITION OF SELECTED HERBAL DRUG SAMPLES USED FOR THE TREATMENT OF PROSTATE CANCER IN NIGERIA

The high cost and potential side effects of conventional treatments have necessitated a growing interest in complementary and alternative medicine, particularly herbal remedies. This study was carried out to evaluate the heavy metal, phytochemical, and proximate compositions of two (2) selected herbal drug samples commonly used to treat prostate cancer in Anambra and Plateau states. Proximate analysis showed a high moisture content of 85.0-89.0%, indicating that the samples are susceptible to microbial spoilage and that proper storage is advised. The ash, fat, fibre and protein are 2.0%, 0.5%, 1.5%, and 1.0% respectively for both samples. Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, cardiac glycosides, saponins, and tannins, which are known for their antioxidant and anticancer properties. Heavy metal analysis revealed Cd (1.80 ± 0.02 mg/Kg) and Mn (11.02 ± 0.05 mg/kg) in sample S002 to be above the WHO permissive limit. Hence, proper testing and assessment for heavy metals in medicinal products are advised, as they can pose serious health hazards.