TITLE:
Human Health Risk Assessment and Trace Element Profile in Four Naturalized Medicinal Flora from Southern Nigeria
AUTHORS:
Mmenyene P. Raphael, Ibanga O. Isaac, Itohowo O. Akpan, Akwaowo I. Inyangudoh
KEYWORDS:
Hazard Index, Hazard Quotient, Herbal Mixture, Minerals, Phytomedicine, Phytopharmaceutical, Toxicity
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Biosciences and Medicines,
Vol.14 No.10,
October
29,
2026
ABSTRACT: Medicinal plants (MPs) constitute an important component of traditional healthcare systems in Southern Nigeria, where they are widely consumed for therapeutic and nutritional purposes. However, information on their potential elemental contamination remains limited. This study evaluated the proximate composition, elemental profile in the leaves and the bioethanol extracts, the associated health risks, and the MPs efficacy. Standard analytical procedures were employed to determine proximate parameters. Elemental concentrations were quantified by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy. The efficacy of the MPs was determined by evaluating mineral ratios, quantitative mineral balance index, and metallo-antidiabetic potential index (MAPI). Health risk indices, including average daily dose, hazard quotient, hazard index, and extraction transfer factor, were calculated to evaluate potential risks associated with dietary exposure. The total carbohydrate of the four MPs was within 0.771 - 2.115 g glucose Equiv./100g. The crude fiber was within 44.00% - 82.00%. Essential elements were present within permissible limits, while the concentrations of toxic metals were generally below the maximum levels recommended by FAO/WHO. Vanadium and nickel (r = −0.9537) and aluminum and nickel (r = −0.9843) were strongly inversely correlated and statistically significant (p Microglossa pyrifolia leaf, 3.8, was the highest. Mentha canadensis leaf (1.0) gave the lowest. Lonchocarpus sericeus and Microglossa pyrifolia extracts gave 0.8 and 0.3, respectively. Tiliacora triandra had the best Zn/Cu ratio. Risk assessment parameters suggested that the consumption of the studied MPs is likely to pose significant non-carcinogenic health risks under normal dietary intake conditions except for bioethanol extract of L. sericeus and M. pyrifolia.