Faculty Of Biotechnology Graduation Project 2017 - 2018

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QuEChERS Method Followed by dispersed Solid Phase Extraction Method for Gas Chromatographic-Mass Spectrometric Determination of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Milk
(MSA University, 2018) Mokhlis Harraz, Esraa
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) commonly refers to a large class of organic compounds containing two or more fused aromatic rings made up of carbon and hydrogen atoms. PAHs are formed and released during incomplete combustion or pyrolysis (burning) of organic matter such as waste or food, during industrial processes, fuel burning and other human activities. PAHs are also formed in natural processes, such as carbonization. This study aimed to determine the concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in both commercial packed milk and raw milk from several cities all over Egypt. It was found that the concentrations of PAHs in the raw milk was higher than commercial packed milk. A number of PAHs have shown carcinogenic effects in experimental animals and it has been concluded that benzo[a]pyrene is carcinogenic to humans. The analysis was carried using a modified QuEChERS procedure followed by injection on gas chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. The results showed that 88% of packaged milk contained one or more compound of PAH, and in raw milk 93% of the samples contained one or more compound of PAH. The specificity and sensitivity of GC/MS technique was highly significant of approximately 99%. The applicability of gas chromatography was clear, mostly allPAHs compounds were detected and analyzed properly.
Selection, Characterization and Application of Bioemulsifiers Produced by certain Bacteria Isolated from Egyptian Habitats.
(October University for Modern Sciences and Arts, 2018) Sayed Abd El-aziz Mohamed, Aya
In the first part of this project 59 bacterial strains were isolated from different Egyptian habitats and studied for their biosurfactant/bioemulsifier activities when were grown on one type of culture medium. In this part (the second part) 17 active strains from those of the first part were selected and studied during the second part of this research project. The 17 bacterial strains were identified down to genus as follows: Corynebacterium (5 strains), Bacillus (5 strains), Arthrobacter (3 strains), Acinetobacter (2 strains) and Pseudomonas (2 srains). The results show that strains of the Corynebacterium and Bacillus were more surface active especially strains MSA 59, MSA 53, MSA 28, and MSA 5 (124.0±6.4 – 176.7±0.0 cm2 ODA). Other strains were of moderate to weak surface active. The results also show that all of the 17 bacterial strains were able to emulsify spent motor oil and crude petroleum oil with E24 of 56.1-100% E24 (except 2 strains of 48.1-48.6 E24). This indicates that these active strains may represent promising candidate in petroleum industries. The results of the emulsification activity 8 selected bacterial strains as affected by the addition of different vegetable oil show that used frying oil followed by corn oil were promising for obtaining high surface activities by the selected 8 strains. It was observed that the surface activities are differing from strain to strain and from oil to oil as substrates. As a result of this study Corynebacterium strains and Bacillus may be selected for further studies. Other strains are weak to moderate surface active, but at the same time they showed higher emulsification activities especially for spent motor oil. The results also that waste frying oil and nutrient broth without oil. One of the Bacillus strains (MSA 53) was of surface and emulsification activities was selected and studied for the effect of different pH values and different sodium chloride concentration of the emulsification activity (E24%). The results show that no significant variation between the different pH and the different Nacl concentration.
Detection of adulteration of butter oil with palm oil using traditional and advanced methods
(October University for Modern Sciences and Arts, 2018) Samir Elkafrawy, Israa
In this work, Comparative Study Between Some Advanced and Traditional Methods for Detection of Milk Fat Deterioration and Adulteration. The precision and sensitivity of some methods for detecting palm oil (PO) in butter oil (BO) was investigated. The liquefied BO and PO were mixed in proportions of 0:100, 25:75, 50:50, 75:25 and 100:0 (w/w) to create 5 treatments. Two treatments represent the original components and three treatments were binary blends. The addition of PO to BO caused substantial changes in fat constants, fatty acids composition, and sterols contents. The changes were proportional to the addition level. In particular, saponification (SV), Reichert-Meissl (RM) and Polenske (PV) values as well as short chain (SCFAs), medium chain (MCFAs), and saturated (SFAs) fatty acids decreased, while iodine value (IV), unsaturated fatty acid (USFAs), sterols fractions increased with increasing the level of PO. The determination of the SV, IV, RM and Polenske values to detect the PO in BO was not sufficient at addition level less than 50.0% PO in BO. Based on the changes induced in linoleic acid and fatty acids groups (SFAs and USFAs); the adulteration of BO with 25.0% PO can be detected. However, myristic acid, which the most abundant MCFAs, was still within the normal range of BO. According to the data obtained, the determination of sterols or/and fractions to detect the PO as an adulterant in pure BO was more sensitive compared with milk fat constants and fatty acids profiles. Therefore, it could be recommended reviewing the Egyptian standard specifications and some clauses should be changed to achieve minimal nutritional and healthy value requested in the dairy products. Also when determining milk fat adulteration we recommend the sterol fractions and fatty acids content should be done.
Comparative study between commercial and Nano- fertilizers on MoringaOleifera plant chemical constituents.
(October University for Modern Sciences and Arts, 2018) Mohamed Hassan Shamandy, Yara
Comparative study between commercial and Nano-fertilizers on Moringa plant chemical constituents. Since Moringa (Moringaoleifera) tree is called the miracle tree due to the many benefits and various applications, The present study was done to explore the effect of mixed synthesis nano elements symbolized in Manganese (Mn), Iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) against commercial mixed fertilizers; Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K) as control on Moringa plant growing in clay soil at faculty of agriculture Cairo University. Results of the experiment exposed that, appliance of nano fertilizers as (Mn Fe, and Zn) significantly improved all morphological traits as (branch height, leaf area, number of leaves, branch girth, leaves fresh and dry weight) additionally to macro and micro elements represented in (N, P, K, Mg, Ca, Na, Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu), also chemical ingredients as (total chlorophyll, total carbohydrate, total phenolic, total flavonoids,thiamine, tannins andascorbic acid). Our results draw attention to the meaning of protection our environment from overload use and addition of chemical fertilizers. Further developments in using such safety nano nutrients in this sector could have large-scale economic implications and multiple benefits for consumers, producers, farmers, and the ecosystem.
Optimization of the Production of Cry1Ac Protein from Bacillus Thuringiensis
(MSA University, 2018) Khaled Al Khamissi, Bahaa
Bacillus thuringiensis is the most commonly used biopesticide producer in the biological control market. Due to the increase of insect resistance from chemical pesticide and the environmental impact it causes, biopesticide are becoming more and more popular. It is very critical for the for the biopesticide industry to produce the highest yield of protein in the fermentation process in order to reduce its cost and to compete with the chemical pesticide industry. This research’s aim is to tackle this problem and to improve and optimize the fermentation process by changing its components and environmental conditions in which the bacteria is cultured for maximum efficacy and production. The toxin produced is Cry1Ac produced from the strain DI29 from Bacillus thuringiensis and its toxicity was tested on the insect Spodoptera littolaris.
Effect of used motor oil on the growth of Zea mays
(October University for Modern Sciences and Arts, 2018) Ahmed Mostafa Gebily, Hind
Motor oil is considered to be one of pollutants that threaten the environment in appropriate disposal ways of used oil could leak to soil and water causing contamination with poly aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and toxic metals. Used motor oil (UMO) affects chemical, physical and biological system of soil where plants could accumulate many PAH and toxic metals. The main purpose of this study is to determine morphological changes of treated Zea mays with different volumes of UMO. Sulfur concentration was determined in soil, shoot and root as an indication factor for the presence of PAH. Zea mays grains were planted in triplicates in soil with different oil treatments; control, 3, 5, 7, 10 ml. Plant height was measured and number of leaves counted every two days after 2 weeks from germination. Plants were isolated from soil, separated into shoot and root and air dried followed by ovum dry. The relative growth rate and root / shoot ration were calculated. Sulfur concentration was determined in all samples by using ASTM D_4294_98. Data were analyzed by ANOVA test on SAS program. The results showed that morphological changes had a slight difference among samples. Relative growth rate is not stable among all oil treatments. All R/S ratios for all treated samples was above control except 5 %. Sulfur concentration was varied between different treatment of oil in shoot and root with P<0.0168. All treated samples with different concentrations of oil were above control. On the other hand, there was no significant difference between root and shoot. Sulfur is a good indication of the presence of aromatic hydrocarbons in plant.
Identification and quantification of vis gene in date palm fruits
(October University for Modern Sciences and Arts, 2018) Hesham Sayed Bastawi, Sarah
Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) is one of the economic crops in most of semi-arid areas. It is considered as a typical model to study fruit maturation. A lot of technologies were used to study date fruit development and ripening. In this research individual and total sugars in addition to the total phenolic content were extracted and measured. Glucose, fructose and sucrose content had been calculated in two different Saudi date palm cultivars Holwah Al Joof, and Saghai. The total sugar content in the Saghai scored higher than Holwah Al Joof. However, in case of the phenolic content was higher in Holwah Al Joof than Saghai. Fruit softening occurs during ripening as a consequence of progressive cell wall modification and disassembly by enzyme action. Pectin and hemicellulose, two of the major cell wall components, undergo solubilization and depolymerization. Therefore, the expression of vis1 gene had been quantified as one of the fruit quality controlling genes. Compared to the tomato fruit as a positive control, the expression of vis1 in Holwah Al Joof fruit was lower than in Saghai.
Incidence of Cytogenetic abnormalities in female infertility
(MSA University, 2018) Ali Yassine, Nada
Background: Infertility is a common problem and may affect up to 15% of all couples. Genetic disorder is considered to be the commonest correctable cause of female infertility. Their incidence among infertile female is 20-40% – about three times greater than in the general population. Aim: This study aims to report the incidence of cytogenetic abnormalities in female infertility and to report karyotype abnormality with AMH hormone levels. Patients and Methods: 50 infertile females were included. All- purpose clinical records and blood samples were obtained according to WHO criteria. Different levels of AMH were detected using Vidas techniques. Karyotyping was done using conventional method, and Lucia computerized software. Results: Among 50 infertile females; 37/50 females had normal karyotypewhile, 13/50 females had abnormal karyotype. Patients with abnormal karyotype with AMH hormonal levels; 4/13 (30.8%) were very low, 2/13 (15.4%) were low fertility, 2/13 (15.4%) were satisfactory and 5/13 (38.5%) were optimal fertility levels. From 13infertile patients with abnormal karyotype; 10/13 (76.9%) patients were46,XY [20], while1/13(7.7%) were 46,XX[15]/45,X[5], 1/13(7.7%) were 46,XX[6]/45,X[14] and 1/13 (7.7%) were 46,XX[10]/45,X[10]karyotype.Conclusion:Cytogenetic abnormalities are an important cause of female infertility. That karyotype analysis in both partners should be performed for infertile couples. Genetic testing and genetic counseling in infertile couples attending assisted reproduction are important to recognize the cause of infertility, but also to evaluate the reproductive risk of couples with genetic abnormalities that may be transmitted to the offspring.
The Use of CASA to Monitor Effects of Red Laser on Post-frozenBuffalo Semen
(MSA University, 2018) Khalid Tawfik, Ahmed
Live biological tissue reacts to irradiation effects from different light sources and wavelengths, sperm cells especially exhibit physiological changes when exposed to laser light irradiation. The motility characteristics of the buffalo bull (Bubalusbubalis), are considered to be the most important qualities necessary for a successful fertilization process. The buffalo’s population in Egypt have a major socioeconomic impact, where Egypt is one of the major buffalo population holding countries in the African continent with 5,231,162 heads; and in the world with 3.1% of the world's total population. Economically, the buffalo meat makes up 46% of the market consumption of red meat in 2016, which highly effects the Egyptian economy. Therefore, the current study focuses on the improvement of semen motility characteristics and fertility capabilities of post-frozen Egyptian buffalo semen, through the use of red laser irradiation. The study describes the potential of utilizing laser irradiation as a simple and inexpensive method to improve the in situ characteristics of semen motility and overall quality, for the purpose of enhancing the fertility capabilities of the semen samples to be used in the artificial insemination processes. Results showed that the red laser light irradiation were highly capable of exciting and enhancing the post-frozen buffalo semen motility characteristics, both over the long term and short term evaluations. Significant changes in the motility characteristics indicated that the red laser light irradiation at 625nm wavelength is an effective treatment method for enhancing the motility characteristics of the post-frozen buffalo semen.
Cytotoxic and Biomolecular Study of Five Plant Extracts Against Different Human Cancer Cell Lines
(October University for Modern Sciences and Arts, 2018) Nasser Elhawary, Ezzeldin
Nature is a main source for discovering new drugs and it has played a major role in the development of new chemotherapeutic candidates. Natural products offer a wide variety of chemical structures with different biological activities that can be used for the development of novel drugs. Around 60% of the current anticancer drugs were isolated from natural products (Newman and Cragg, 2006). In this study, I attempted to exploit five plant extracts, Euphorbia hierosolymitana (herb), Sapium sebifera (branch), Cordyline fruticosa (leaf and branch), Dracerna marginata (bark) and Dracaena marginata (leaf and branch), and show their cytotoxic activities on different human cancer cell line including breast carcinoma (MCF-7), hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG-2), colon carcinoma (HCT116) and prostate cancer (PC3), and normal skin cell line (BJ-1). Methanol extracts of these plants underwent MTT cytotoxic assay and found that E. hierosolymitana selectively inhibited HCT116 cell proliferation with IC50 of 4.22 μg/ml, both Dracaena marginata extracts (bark and leaf & branches) showed moderate cytotoxicity on MCF-7 with IC50 of 22.4 and 48.2 μg/ml, respectively. The remaining two extracts showed minimal to insignificant percentage inhibition on all cell lines. E. hierosolymitana extract was selected for further studying, where the effect of the extract on the HCT116 cells showed a downregulation of her2 and Bcl-2 gene and an overexpression of the Bax gene. Flow cytometry analysis were also performed to understand the effect of E. hierosolymitana on the apoptosis induction and the cell cycle. And the results showed induction of early and late apoptosis by 5.81 and 10.01%, respectively. Our results infer that E. hierosolymitana have a promising chance in fighting colorectal cancer due to its high cytotoxic effects on HCT116 cancer cells while having minimal effects on the BJ-1 normal cells lines.
Antigen content as The Min factor In Avian Influence Vaccine Efficiency
(October University for Modern Sciences and Arts, 2018) Yehia Hamed Hemida, Nouran
Breast cancer is the leading causes of cancer-related death among women. The vast majority of breast cancers are carcinomas that originate from cells lining the milk-forming ducts of the mammary gland. The human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a multifaceted highly host specific betaherpesvirus that is regarded as asymptomatic or mildly pathogenic virus in immunocompetent host. HCMV may cause acute and chronic complications in immunocompromised individual. HCMV antigens and DNA have been detected in tissue biopsies of breast cancers and sentinel lymph nodes and elevation in serum HCMV IgG antibody levels have been reported to precede the development of breast cancer in some women. The aim of the study is to evaluate the association of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) incidence and lymph node metastases in Egyptian breast cancer patients. The project was carries out through testing of enrolled breast cancer patients for presence or absence of HCMV IgG antibody in their blood samples. Moreover, nested PCR was done on DNA extracts from patients’ lymph node tissue targeting the HCMV immediate early (IE) gene. Finally, correlation between incidence of HCMV DNA and lymph node metastasis in breast cancer patients was assessed. Outcome of the study displays that there is a statistical significance between HCMV-DNA and lymph node metastasis.
The biological activity of Golden berry extract as antioxidant, anti-microbial and anti-cancer activity
(October University for Modern Sciences and Arts, 2018) Gamal Mohamed Zaki, Mohammed
The Physalis peruviana is of great importance and vital phytochemical and nutritional properties, as its classified as one of the medicinal plants that posses great features as anti-oxidant, anti-microbial and anti-cancer properties, at which those features is found and rely on the specific nutrients the found in higher values with in the plants as total phenols, total flavonoids, total alkaloids, total tannins and DPPH as following 125.44, 6.39, 14.82 and 3.365, where the analysis of those extract structures reveals the high antioxidant and free radicals blockage features. Physalis peruviana also possess anti- microbial activates toward specific microbial and fungal strains where performing microbial disc diffusion test reveals the high activity by its inhibition zone as following 17.15, 12.46 and 7.5 for each of bacillus, E. coli and A. Niger. Also, Physalis peruviana possess anti-cancer activity as the analysis of the golden beery extract toward boss Lung cancer and colon cancer as high neutral red viability assay was found in cases of colon cancer of 94 % and low neutral red viability assay in case of lung cancer of 66.0% for the highest concentration 800μg/ml across variety of concentrations.
The Therapeutic Effects of Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Taurine in Ovarian Dysfunction in Rat Model
(MSA University, 2018) Ahmed El Nagdi, Lama
Chemotherapy targets rapidly dividing tissues in the body. It destroys the progenitor cells in gonads resulting in ovarian dysfunction. Studies have suggested that bone marrow- derived stem cells can regenerate oocytes in chemotherapy-treated female rats after transplantation. The present study aimed to assess mechanism of homing, the action of injected BM-MSCs and orally administered taurine on ovarian function after ovarian damage. Experimental design: Fifty female albino rats were randomly allocated into Control, CTX group, The Experimental protocol lasted for 10 weeks during which serum E2 and plasma serum ALT and MDA were monitored. Stem cells identification and homing were evaluated by Flowcytometry. Also, histopathological examination was done to evaluate both degeneration and regeneration of ovarian tissue. Principal observations: Paclitaxel group indicated noticeable ovarian distress. Partial improvement of E2, ALT and MDA levels as well as ovarian architecture. H&E staining showed that there were more healthy ovarian follicles after treatment with BM-MSCs and Taurine. Conclusion: Our results demonstrated that injected BM-MSCs can home in the stroma of the injured ovaries and alongside the supplementation of Taurine, injured ovarian function could be restored.
Studies of the biological activity of cassia fistula.
(October University for Modern Sciences and Arts, 2018) Atef Moaatamed, Shurouk
Cancer has been the most dreadful disease from ages till now. However, with the passage of time it been more understood its mechanism, types, some causing factors, and way of its cell duplication. By the progress of science there are now more than one available method for treatment, diagnosis or prevention of cancer. But this progress did not reach till now cheap, fast and effective specific targeting treatment for all types or even one type. For this aim, the field of searching for alternative natural compound extracted from plants to replace those expensive non effective targeting compounds has been wider and advanced. One of familiar plant families is Leguminosae specifically class of Cassia Fistula plant. This type of plant has been examined to ensure its biological activity and by detecting and analysis it show anticancer activity against cell line of liver cancer; hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2. What differ those phytocompounds over commonly used synthetic element is their safety on normal cells. Using brine shrimp eggs and larva was to check the cytotoxicity and cell viability of the compounds that analyzed by GC/MS to identify those phytocompound.C. fistula volatile oil extract was able to inhibit proliferation for HepG2 cancer cell lines at 3.05 ± 0.08μg/ml. The methanolic and oil extracts of Cassia fistula showed good brine shrimp larvicidal activity with lethality concentration (LC50) of 15 and 55 μg/mL, respectively. Finally using GC-MS, the essential oil compounds were identified, whereas39compounds produces and accounted for 90.46% of the total oil, the major compound was compoundsulfurous acid; cyclohexyl-methyl octadecyl ester (21.62%).
Relationship between diabetes and natural killer cells in type 2 diabetes mellitus and its relation to infection
(MSA University, 2018) Abdelnasser Saad Zaghloul, Amira
Diabetes is a fast-growing health problem in Egypt with a considerable effect on health care resources, mortality, and morbidity. Diabetes is acknowledged by a disease in which the ability of the body to produce or respond to the hormone insulin is impaired, leading to abnormal metabolism of carbohydrates and elevated levels of glucose in the blood. The study will be done by testing blood of 12 individuals by collecting blood samples from them and test natural killer cells in the diabetic patients and healthy people. The aim of this study is determining the relation between natural killer cells and diabetes and its role in control group, diabetic patients and complicated diabetic patients and its relation to infection. Lastly, results shown that natural killer cells are less in diabetic patients than normal people. This decrease in the natural killer cells makes diabetic patients susceptible to infections more than normal ones.
Monitoring the anti-cancer potential of gold nanoparticles under the influence of electroporation and ultra-low electromagnetic field (ULEMF) frequencies relative to time on colon cancer cell-lines (HCT-116)
(MSA University, 2018) Attia Abdelrauof Attia, Alaa
The use of nanotechnology in cancer therapy is based on the usage of molecules that can affect cancerous cells as well as mitochondrial membrane in order to induce cancer cell programmed death. This method has shown overwhelming effects; hence the target of this project is to evaluate the role of gold nanoparticles’ anti-cancer potential under the effect of electroporation, in addition to the effect of ultra low electromagnetic field (ULEMF) frequencies on HCT 116 colon cancer cell line. It was noticed that this method of using ULEMF displayed a higher potential of anti-cancer activity than the use of gold nanoparticles used single handed (engulfed endocytosis). At the same time cell apoptosis that is accompanied with high percentage of cell arrest in case of treatment with electroporation, gold nanoparticles as well as electromagnetic field of 50 mT for 30 mins showed the best results in comparison with other treatments. Also, it has been signified that the usage of these treatment combinations resulted in a highly elevated gene expression of pro-apoptotic genes (P53, Bax) and down regulation of anti-apoptotic gene (Bcl-2). It was also noticed that an arrest of cells occurred at the G2/M phase compared to other treatment regimes. Data recorded revealed that the use of gold nanoparticles, electroporation and electromagnetic field in a dose dependent manner can increase apoptosis and necrosis [200v]- [25 mT— 50 mT]. It can be suggested that the use of electromagnetic field as well as, gold nanoparticles and electroporation can be a promising tool for cancer management.
Investigation of the Anticancer Effect of Azurin Produced from Pseudomonas Aeruginosa
(MSA University, 2018) El Fouly, Sherry
Azurin is a low molecular weight protein and member of the Cupredoxin family, it is produced by the bacteria Pseudomonas Aeruginosa, and it is a natural scaffold protein that has antiparasitic, antiviral, and, most notably, anti-cancerous properties. In the course of this study, 5 Pseudomonas Aeruginosa isolates were provided by the University of Mansoura and 4 screening processes took place, including gram stain, gel electrophoresis, SDS-PAGE, and electron microscopy, all in search for the isolate with the optimum azurin producing ability. 1 isolate was chosen for further testing against the breast cancer cell line MCF-7. Azurin was investigated for its ability to decrease cell viability and increase DNA damage. Azurin was shown to be an anticancer agent which achieves its ability by interacting with multiple targets and interfering in multiple steps in the progression of cancer, such as inhibiting P-Cadherin expression, increasing p53, reducing VEGFR-2 tyrosine kinase activity and interfering in the receptor tyrosine kinase EphB2-mediated signaling process.
Evaluating the expression of MDM2 on gastric cancer using immunohistochemistry
(October university for modern sciences and arts, 2018) Khalid, Samar
The investigation of antiviral mechanisms of chitosan nanoparticles encapsulating curcumin against Hepatitis C Virus genotype – 4a on human hepatoma cell lines
(MSA University, 2018) Ali Mohamed, Aya
Hepatitis C virus is the fifth common disease in the world with more than 170 infected people worldwide and poses high risk among Egyptian population as they are likely to develop severe liver injury and hepatocellular carcinoma. Nevertheless, current double and triple treatments with direct acting antivirals (DAAs) were recently reported to cause several side effects and thereby effective, less toxic antiviral agents are needed. Accordingly, this study aims at coupling in silico approaches with in vitro analysis in order to investigate and compare the role of some natural and synthetic antivirals; curcumin, chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs) and chitosan encapsulating curcumin nanocomposite against HCV-G4a replication in Huh7.5 cells and viral entry in Huh7 cells. Thereby, the selected compounds were subjected to molecular docking studies to determine their binding affinity towards NS3 protease, NS5A and NS5B polymerases prior to investigating their antiviral mechanisms against viral replication and viral entry. Additionally, the activity of such compounds was examined on both the molecular level on the targeted viral genes as well as the protein level on the viral core protein. Accordingly, it is expected to obtain reduction in viral replication as well as obstruction of viral entry after exploiting these compounds, especially the curcumin chitosan nanocomposite which suggests their potential roles as alternative, novel, safe and effective antiviral agents.
Health risk assessment of heavy metals via consumption of contaminated Herbal medicine collected from local Egyptian pharmacies
(October University for Modern Sciences and Arts, 2018) Amr Mohamed, Salma
Medicinal plants have a long history of use in therapy throughout the world and still make an important part of traditional medicine. Thus, medicinal plants and herbal products must be safe for the patient (consumer). However, owing to the nature and sources of herbal medicines, they are sometimes contaminated with toxic heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, mercury and cadmium thus poses a potential health threat to consumers. Unregulated procurement coupled with the unhygienic trading environment, poor postharvest handling and processing; represent major routes of heavy metal contamination in medicinal plant products. Thus, the aim of this study is to assess the levels of heavy metal contamination in some frequently used Egyptian medicinal plants and its health risks by the amount of heavy metals: Chromium (Cr), Cobalt (Co), Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), Nickel (Ni), Zinc (Zn), Tin (Sn), Cadmium (Cd), Lead (Pb), and Antimony (Sb) that they contain. This will be possible by using the ICP – OES technique in order to determining the heavy metal levels in each type of herbal drugs and then compare the results to the APTWI standards. The results showed that the elements that were found in 100% of the samples analyzed were Iron (Fe) and Manganese (Mn). Iron (Fe) has the highest mean concentration in all the samples with the highest being; 42.1123 mg/kg for drugs used for constipation and digestion for children <1 year; Manganese is the second element with the highest mean concentration in all the samples with the highest being; 4.0852 mg/kg for drugs used for constipation and digestion for children <1 year. When the results were compared with the APTWI, the results showed a significant heavy metal contamination that will cause serious health effects for pediatrics.

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