Abstract
BackgroundAsian traditional herbal preparations are frequently considered for the contamination with undeclared toxic or hazardous substances. The aim of this study was to determine the toxic heavy metals, pesticides and sulfur dioxide in decoctions that is a common form of final utilization in Korea.MethodsA total of 155 decoctions composed of multi-ingredient traditional herbs were randomly sampled from Seoul in Korea between 2013 and 2014. For each decoction, the concentrations of four heavy metals (arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury), 33 pesticides and sulfur dioxide were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), mercury analyzer, gas chromatography/nitrogen phosphorous detector (GC/NPD), gas chromatography/micro electron capture detector (GC/μECD), and Monier-Williams method respectively.ResultsOne hundred fifty-two of One hundred fifty-five decoctions (98.1%) contained one of three heavy metals (96.1% for As, 97.4% for Cd, and 90.3% for Pb, 0.0% for Hg). Their average concentrations (77.0 ± 79.7 ug/kg for As, 20.4 ± 23.7 ug/kg for Cd, and 68.8 ± 76.5 ug/kg for Pb) were approximately 20% of the maximum allowable limits of vegetable or ginseng beverage described in the Korean Food Standard Codex while their 95th percentile concentrations were below than the guideline for them. None of 33 pesticides was detected in 155 decoction samples, and only one sample showed over limit of detection for residual sulfites.ConclusionsThis study support that the contained status of toxic heavy metals, pesticides and sulfur dioxide in herbal decoctions are currently within safe level in Korea, and provide a reference data for the further studies focused on the safety herbal preparations.
Highlights
Asian traditional herbal preparations are frequently considered for the contamination with undeclared toxic or hazardous substances
Adulteration with undeclared other substances and contamination with undeclared toxic or hazardous substances are most likely to be found in herbal materials or herbal products [10]
The toxic heavy metals, residual pesticides or improper use of sulfites are regarded as potent risk factors in use of herbal medicines because they can be contaminated in herbal materials due to soil pollution and process of cultivation, harvesting and storage [11,12,13]
Summary
Asian traditional herbal preparations are frequently considered for the contamination with undeclared toxic or hazardous substances. The aim of this study was to determine the toxic heavy metals, pesticides and sulfur dioxide in decoctions that is a common form of final utilization in Korea. About 40% of individuals in Korea and China, Safety and quality of herbal medicines are affected by many factors, intrinsic factor like species differences and extrinsic factors including environment, collection methods, cultivation, harvest, post-harvest processing, transport, and storage practices [7]. Adulteration with undeclared other substances and contamination with undeclared toxic or hazardous substances are most likely to be found in herbal materials or herbal products [10]. The toxic heavy metals, residual pesticides or improper use of sulfites are regarded as potent risk factors in use of herbal medicines because they can be contaminated in herbal materials due to soil pollution and process of cultivation, harvesting and storage [11,12,13]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
