Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination in Selected Herbal Teas Retailed in Kano State Pharmacies

The consumption of herbal teas has increased substantially in Nigeria, particularly in Northern states where herbal remedies are deeply embedded in cultural health practices. However, herbal products can accumulate toxic heavy metals from contaminated soil, water, and improper processing environments, posing significant health risks to consumers. This study assessed the levels of lead, cadmium, arsenic, and chromium in ten herbal tea products commonly retailed in pharmacies and open markets across Kano metropolis, North West Nigeria. Samples were digested using a wet acid digestion procedure, and metal concentrations were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Results were compared against World Health Organization permissible limits for medicinal plant materials. Three out of ten products exceeded the WHO recommended limit for lead, while two samples showed elevated cadmium concentrations. Locally processed teas showed significantly higher metal contamination than imported brands. The absence of standardised quality control processes in local herbal product manufacturing was identified as a primary contributing factor. The study concludes that existing regulatory oversight on herbal product safety in North West Nigeria requires strengthening. It recommends mandatory heavy metal testing as a pre-market requirement for all herbal teas seeking NAFDAC registration. Keywords: heavy metals, herbal tea, atomic absorption spectrophotometry, Kano State, NAFDAC.