Among different target analytes for quality
control of herbal drugs, heavy metals play an
important role. Recently, in the European Pharmacopoeia
[1], a monograph concerning the analysis
of heavy metals in herbal drugs and fatty oils
by absorption spectrometry has been reported. As
alternative to traditional spectrochemical techniques
for the detection of heavy metals in routine
analysis of herbal drugs we propose the use of
electroanalytical techniques coupled with disposable
screen-printed electrodes. Low cost and rapid
multielement measurements are thus possible.