Heavy metals in medicinal and spice plants

The use of spices and medicinal plants in human nutrition has been increasing recently. They have numerous benefits due to their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, and they are particularly important in the prevention of microbial transmission. Nevertheless, they may also contain environmental pollutants that are introduced during manufacturing, processing, and storage. Spices and medicinal herbs can become contaminated throughout the manufacturing and packaging process, as well as during the cultivation of plant species. The greatest danger comes from heavy metals, which enter plants through soil, air, and water. The operation of various industrial facilities results in contamination. This paper will discuss heavy metals, both essential and non-essential, and their effects on human health. Copper, zinc, manganese, iron, molybdenum, chromium, and selenium are essential, whereas lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic, aluminum, tin, cobalt, and platinum are non-essential.