title: Safety evaluation of local weight-gain formulas in the Saudi Arabian markets.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The utilization of herbal formulas is continuously increasing on the global level. However, assessment of contamination and impurities is the leading challenge in the use of herbal medicines.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Assessment of therapeutic application in relation to herbal formulas usage for reducing weight is the objective for this investigation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Reduced dietary fibers and fats are common outcomes of herbal usage. 9.8% of the mixtures were contaminated because of lead. However, investigation has indicated <10 microbial counts in herbal products. Increased levels of calcium, minerals, fibers, and lead traces have been identified in the herbals; however, products lacked nicotinamide, riboflavin, and vitamin C.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It was concluded that majority of herbal products were pure and uncontaminated in order to reduce the complications of obesity efficiently.
authors.affiliation: Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: Nora Abdullah
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: ALFaris
authors.affiliation: Riyadh College of Dentistry and Pharmacy, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: Riyadh Mohammed
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Al Ashban
authors.affiliation: Ministry of Education, Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: Mouna
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Al Ojayan
mesh_terms: D002118:Calcium / Q000032:analysis; D004340:Drug Contamination; D029001:Herbal Medicine; D006801:Humans; D019216:Metals, Heavy / Q000032:analysis; D008903:Minerals / Q000032:analysis; D009752:Nutritional Status; D009765:Obesity / Q000628:therapy; D061214:Patient Safety; D012529:Saudi Arabia; D015431:Weight Loss / Q000187:drug effects*
chemical_list: D019216:Metals, Heavy; D008903:Minerals; D002118:Calcium
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