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.