ABSTRACT

This study was conducted to determine the levels of selected heavy metals in herbal sex enhancement drugs that are commercially available in Benin-city. The samples were collected from various markets in Benin-city and digested using acid digestion method using Nitric acid and Hydrochloric acid in the ratio of 3:1 and then analyzed using the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Analysis was carried out on Ten (10) different sex enhancement drugs for Five (5) selected heavy metals; Arsenic, Antimony, Cadmium, Lead and Mercury. In the result of the analysis, it was observed that these selected heavy metal was either below detectable or permissible limits set by World Health Organization (WHO). This result provided shows that these products are relatively safe in short term as they contain toxic heavy metals below the allowable limits set by WHO. However, the continuous use of these products can lead to the bio accumulation of these heavy metals in the body tissue of the end user which can result in many health defects like cancer, neurological problems, abdominal problems etc.