Aflatoxins and Chinese Medicine: Ensuring Safety
黃曲霉毒素與中藥材：確保安全

Aflatoxins, toxic substances produced by Aspergillus fungi, include types B1, B2, G1, and G2, with B1 being the most toxic and classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the IARC. These toxins thrive under high temperature (30–38°C) and humidity (≥80%) and can cause liver damage and cancer with prolonged exposure.

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Traditional Chinese medicinal materials may be contaminated with aflatoxins during cultivation or processing. To protect consumers, Hong Kong regulations cap aflatoxin levels in Chinese medicine at 10 µg/kg, monitored by the Chinese Medicine Regulatory Office (CMRO).

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The types of Chinese medicine most susceptible to aflatoxin contamination are typically those derived from seeds, nuts, roots, and dried plant materials. These include:

1. Herbal ingredients with high oil content:

   • Examples: Pinellia (半夏), Peach Kernel (桃仁), Coix Seeds (薏苡仁), and Apricot Kernels (杏仁).

   • Reason: Their oil content provides a favorable medium for fungal growth.

2. Medicinal materials stored for long periods:

   • Examples: Ginseng (人參), Licorice Root (甘草), and Astragalus Root (黃芪).

   • Reason: Poor storage conditions with high humidity or temperature encourage mold growth.

3. Dried fruits and decoction slices:

   • Examples: Wolfberries (枸杞), Red Dates (紅棗).

   • Reason: Their natural sugars and prolonged drying process make them vulnerable.

4. Fermented or processed herbal products:

   • Examples: Fermented Soybean Paste (豆豉).

   • Reason: Fermentation processes might introduce or amplify mold contamination.

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Enviro Labs Ltd. provides aflatoxin testing for compliance with these standards. Ensure your products meet safety requirements—contact us for professional testing services.

 

黃曲霉毒素由 Aspergillus 真菌產生，包括B1、B2、G1及G2類型，其中B1毒性最強，被國際癌症研究機構（IARC）列為第1類致癌物。此毒素在高溫（30–38°C）及高濕（≥80%）環境中易產生，長期接觸會損害肝臟，甚至致癌。

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中藥材在種植及加工過程中可能受黃曲霉毒素污染。香港政府規定中藥材中黃曲霉毒素含量不得超過10 µg/kg，並由中藥規管辦公室（CMRO）定期檢查。

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最容易受到黃曲霉毒素污染的中藥材類型通常包括種子、堅果、根類及乾燥植物材料，具體如下：

1. 含高油脂的藥材：

   • 例子：半夏、桃仁、薏苡仁、杏仁。

   • 原因：高油脂含量為真菌生長提供了良好的培養基。

2. 長期存放的藥材：

   • 例子：人參、甘草、黃芪。

   • 原因：儲存條件不佳（高濕度或高溫）容易滋生霉菌。

3. 乾果類和藥材切片：

   • 例子：枸杞、紅棗。

   • 原因：天然糖分及較長的乾燥過程使其容易受污染。

4. 經過發酵或加工的中藥材：

   • 例子：豆豉。

   • 原因：發酵過程可能引入或加劇霉菌污染。

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Enviro Labs Ltd. 提供黃曲霉毒素檢測服務，協助符合規範。請聯絡我們以安排檢測，確保產品安全。