Analysis of dietary exposure and risk assessment of pesticide residues in roots and rhizomes of Chinese herbs

Abstract

Medicine food homologous (MFH) plants provide therapeutic and health care effects through diet. Thus, a risk assessment system for hazardous ingredient residues is urgently required to ensure their safe use. In this study, the pesticide contamination of six root and rhizome Chinese herbs, Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Panacis Quinquefolii Radix, Pseudostellariae Radix, Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, Codonopsis Radix, and Glehniae Radix, and the risks associated with their intake were investigated. A total of 420 MFH plant samples collected from 22 provinces in China were tested, and 61 pesticides were detected in 413 samples. Multiple pesticide residues were detected in each MFH sample, with contents ranging from 0.0002 to 3.010 mg/kg dry weight. Carbendazim (≥47.14%) and propham (≥40%) were the most frequently detected pesticides. Risk assessment determined by hazard quotients indicated that the risks were acceptable, with no short-or long-term adverse health effects. However, considering the high incidence of residues and the detection of unregistered or even prohibited pesticides, strict supervision of soil quality and pesticide application (particularly cadusafos) in MFH plant cultivation are recommended to aid in monitoring MFH plant quality and ensuring diet and drug safety.

Toxicological effects, residue levels and risks of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in Chinese medicine: a review

“…The highest exceeding rate was 100% of chlorpyrifos in American ginseng (Kuang et al 2013). In studies on herbicides, propham was detected the most frequently, with the detection rate over 40% (Xie et al 2022). The highest herbicide content was 4.251 mg/kg (clethodim in peppermint) (Jankowska et al 2020), while the lowest was 0.02 mg/kg (Atrazine in prepared Rehmannia root and Selfheal) (Xie 2016).…”

Identification of raffinose family oligosaccharides in processed Rehmannia glutinosa Libosch using matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry image combined with machine learning

“…Rehmannia glutinosa belongs to the Scrophulariaceae family and is a typical example of raw and processed food nutritional therapy. It has been used widely as a functional food and dietary herb in China and other Asian countries 5 . The raffinose family oligosaccharides (RGOs) in R. glutinosa have been shown to provide hypoglycemic effects in glucose‐induced hyperglycemia 6 .…”

“…It has been used widely as a functional food and dietary herb in China and other Asian countries. 5 The raffinose family oligosaccharides (RGOs) in R.…”