TOXIC METALS IN SELECTED TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINALS

An examination of traditional Chinese medicine preparations that purpo rt to contain endangered-species products revealed the presence of ino rganic forms of mercury and arsenic. We analyzed 12 types of commercia lly produced herbal ball preparations (n = 85) using X-ray fluorescenc e spectroscopy and atomic absorption spectroscopy. Mercury levels rang ed from 7.8 to 621.3 milligrams and arsenic levers ranged from 0.1 to 36.6 milligrams per ball. The recommended adult dose for these prepara tions is two balls daily. At this dose the maximum elemental intake pe r day is up to 73.2 milligrams of arsenic and 1.2 grams of mercury. Wh ile arsenic poisoning is usually associated with four play, and mercur y poisoning is usually associated with environmental contamination, fo rensic scientists should be aware that these elements may be consumed in connection with cultural and lifestyle preferences.