In the present study, 168 pesticides in 1,017 samples of 10 Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) were simultaneously determined by high-performance liquid (HPLC-MS/MS) and gas (GC-MS/MS) chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. A total of 89.2% of the samples encompassed one or multiple pesticide residues, and the residue concentrations in 60.5% of samples were less than 0.02 mg kg⁻¹, revealing the relatively low residue levels. The hazard quotient and hazard index methods were used to estimate the health risk for consumers. For a more accurate risk assessment, the exposure frequency and exposure duration of CHMs were involved into the exposure assessment, which was obtained from a questionnaire data of 20,917 volunteers. The results of chronic, acute, and cumulative risk assessment indicated that consumption of CHMs is unlikely to pose a health risk to consumers. Ranking the risk of detected pesticides revealed that phorate, BHC, triazophos, methidathion, terbufos, and omethoate posed the highest risk. Our results also showed that pollution of the aboveground medicinal part was more serious. Although exposure to pesticides in tested CHMs was below dangerous levels, more strict controlled management should be carried out for banned pesticides due to the high detection rate and illegal use in the actual planting practice.

Background: Heavy metals are considered a global concern because they can deteriorate human health. This guideline aims to scientifically evaluate health risk of heavy metals in TCM and to propose a reference for decision making in developing TCM-related health policies. Methods: Using a multidisciplinary approach, a steering committee oversaw the development of the guideline. To obtain a reasonable and accurate risk assessment, key exposure assessment parameters for TCM, e.g., exposure frequency (EF), exposure duration (ED), and daily ingestion rate (IR) were obtained from surveys. In addition, transfer rates for heavy metals from Chinese medicinal materials (CMM) to decoctions or preparations were examined. Results: Based on the scientific theory of risk control, the guideline was designed systematically, and principles and procedures for the risk assessment of heavy metals in TCM were identified. The guideline can be utilized to assess the risk of heavy metals in CMM and Chinese patent medicines (CPM). Conclusion: This guideline may help standardize the risk assessment of heavy metals in TCM, advance regulatory standards for heavy metals in TCM, and ultimately improve human health through scientific TCM usage in clinic.

High arsenic residues make Cordyceps sinensis a concern in China. Arsenic toxicity is related to its species. Many studies have evaluated the toxicity of total arsenic, but few have studied its species. In this study, the species of arsenic in C. sinensis and its potential health risk were investigated. SEC-HPLC-ICP-MS was used to analysis of arsenic in C. sinensis and unknown arsenic (uAs) was discovered. Additionally, arsenic in C. sinensis was mainly found in alkali-soluble proteins. The trend of arsenic transformation indicated that unknown arsenic in C. sinensis may be converted into free inorganic arsenic, which enhanced toxicity. The result of risk assessment indicated that there were potential health risks of uAs. Hereon, we proposed recommendations for the use of C. sinensis and regulatory recommendations for arsenic standards. This study contributed to the toxicity reveal, safety evaluation, and risk assessment of arsenic in C. sinensis.