Comparative evaluation of some commercially available brands of pharmaceutical preparations for Na, K and Mg concentrations

A study was carried out to investigate the concentrations of macro-elements (Na^+, K^+ and Mg^+2) in twelve commercially available pharmaceutical preparations used as sex stimulant, by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. A wet digestion method was adopted to prepare the samples. The results indicated that sodium concentration was maximum (3702±29 μg g^-1) in LB and minimum (495±06 μg g^-1) in H-E-H. Potassium concentration was maximum (6337±13 μg g^-1) in NBA while minimum (150±06 μg g^-1) in ZGRA. Magnesium concentration was maximum in V-100 (9226±11 μg g^-1) and minimum in FGRA (1194±25 μg g^-1). The concentration of macro-elements in the imported herbal preparations was in the order of Mg Na K and in the local herbal preparations as follows: Mg K Na. Some of these herbal preparations contain high level of macro-elements than the recommended daily dietary allowances. The excessive use of such preparations may cause severe allergic reactions, kidney damage and pulmonary atherosclerosis.