A quality evaluation of chamomile and mint teas commonly consumed in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The quality of mint and chamomile tea brands available in the retail market in Bosnia and Herzegovina were assessed based on their total phenolic and flavonoids contents, total antioxidant capacity and levels of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Cr, Fe and Cu). The results showed that both the mint and chamomile had high amounts of phenolic compounds and high antioxidant activity rates. However, the total phenolics and flavonoids were significantly higher in the mint than in the chamomile. The studied toxic heavy metals (Pb, Cd and Cr) were present at non-toxic levels in all the herbal tea samples, while the levels of Fe and Cu in some herbal teas slightly exceeded the World Health Organization’s permissible limits. Accordingly, the results of this study indicate that the potential health risk of Cd, Cr and Pb exposure through the consumption of studied herbal teas appears to be very low with no significant health implications to consumers. Contrary, based on the samples examined in this study, the consumption of herbal teas could expose the consumer to the potential health risks associated with Cu and Fe. Therefore, further studies are needed to test this possibility.