Assessment of carcinogenic and toxic substances in 'Insunko' herb. (2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kalubula, Maybin; Shen, Heqing; Khanam, Tasawar
• Is Part Of: Toxicology reports. Volume 7(2020)
• Page Start: 468
• Page End: 474
• Publication Date: 2020
• Subjects: Carcinogens -- Health hazards -- Toxic trace metals -- 'Insunko' herb; Toxicology -- Periodicals; Clinical toxicology -- Periodicals; Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; Hazardous Substances; Poisoning; Toxicology; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Periodicals; 571.9505
• DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2020.03.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2214-7500

Abstract

Highlights: Both males and females sniff 'insunko' herb, 3 g per day. Females also insert 'insunko' herb vaginally, 6 g prior for sexual intercourse. High concentration of toxic heavy metals have been detected in 'insunko' herb. Hazard Indexes for arsenic, cadmium, chromium, manganese, and copper were greater than one. Abstract: There has emerged a herb in Zambia called 'insunko' which has unknown chemical composition. The use of 'insunko' herb with unknown chemical composition has brought mixed feelings among many Zambians. This study, therefore, aimed to assess the toxic and carcinogenic substances in 'insunko' herb. 'Insunko' herb was purchased from Chipata, Lusaka, Mpika, Mwense, Kitwe, and Solwezi. 5 samples were collected from each of these districts and were thoroughly mixed to give 6 consolidated samples (n = 6). Nicotine and, nitrosamines were analysed using UV spectrometer lambda 35 Perkin Elmer while trace metals were analysed using ICP-MS Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy (Agilent Technologies, Santa Clara, CA, USA). Nicotine, nitrosamines, and trace metals were detected in high concentrations. The concentrations ranged from 3.87 to 9.83 mg/kg for nitrosamines and 10.94–34.01 mg/kg for nicotine. Hazard Indexes for arsenic, cadmium, chromium, manganese, and copper were greater than one (HI > 1). 'Insunko' herb is a potentially toxic and carcinogenic substance because it contains toxic and carcinogenic constituents in high concentrations. These toxic and carcinogenic constituents have been confirmed to cause gastrointestinal disorders, cancers, degenerative, cardiovascular, hematopoietic, neurologic and cognitive problems as well as male infertility.