Exposure to Industrial wastes and leakages can cause prolong damage to humans and plants due to the presence of chemical wastes and heavy metals. This study was conducted to compare the pharmacognostic profile, presence and effects of heavy metals and determine the adverse effects of using medicinal plants from Industrial Area to manage diseases in humans with that of the plant grown in Non-Industrial Area. Standard methods for pharmacognostic and elemental analysis such as macro- and microscopical evaluation, Physico-chemical, phytochemical and elemental analysis were used. Statistical analyses were done using student t-test and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Hygrophila auriculata leaf grown in Industrial Area was found to be slightly sour in taste, light green in color with yellowish patches and musty odor as compared to the tasteless, deep green coloration and characteristic odor in Non-Industrial Area. Results of the physicochemical analysis showed that, moisture content, total ash, acid insoluble and water soluble ash, alcohol and water soluble extractive values showed accumulation of extraneous organic matters, impurities and retained much water in Hygrophila auriculata leaf grown in Industrial Area than the one grown in Non-Industrial Area. Hygrophila auriculata leaf grown in Industrial Area was screened positive for steroids/terpenes, cardiac glycosides and saponins while that grown in Non-Industrial Area was positive for steroids/terpenes, cardiac glycosides, saponins, tannins, flavonoids and alkaloids. Hygrophila auriculata leaf grown in Industrial Area was found to contain a significant amount of Cobalt, Lead and Zinc at (p<0.05) as compared to the values obtained from those grown in Non-Industrial Area. Plants from industrial areas should not be used as drug.
