Question

Limit for the following heavy metal/s is/are mentioned in the WHO guidelines for herbal drug evaluation.
(A) Cadmium
(B) Lead
(C) Mercury
(D) Arsenic
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. A, B and D only
• B. Only D
• C. Only B and D
• D. Only A and C

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

To solve this question, we need to identify which heavy metals are mentioned in the WHO guidelines for herbal drug evaluation. The World Health Organization (WHO) has set guidelines for the permissible limits of various heavy metals due to their potential toxicity. These guidelines are important for the safe use of herbal products.

• Cadmium (A): The WHO guidelines indeed set limits for cadmium in herbal products. Cadmium is a heavy metal known for its toxicity and potential to cause harm to the kidneys, skeletal system, and respiratory system.
• Lead (B): Lead limits are also specified in the WHO guidelines. Exposure to lead is detrimental, affecting neurological development and various organs, which is why its levels are strictly controlled in many products.
• Mercury (C): While mercury is a toxic heavy metal, WHO guidelines focus less on setting specific limits for mercury in herbal drugs as compared to its strict regulations in other contexts, such as food products.
• Arsenic (D): The WHO guidelines do mention permissible limits for arsenic. Arsenic exposure carries significant health risks, including skin diseases and increased cancer risk.

Based on this information, the metals cadmium (A), lead (B), and arsenic (D) are those mentioned in the WHO guidelines for herbal drug evaluation. Mercury (C) is not typically included in the same category of guidelines for herbal drugs. Hence, the correct answer is:

A, B, and D only