Evaluation of metal and microbial contamination in botanical supplements

Raman, P; Patino, LC; Nair, MG

HERO ID

736946

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2004

Language

English

PMID

15612762

HERO ID 736946
In Press No
Year 2004
Title Evaluation of metal and microbial contamination in botanical supplements
Authors Raman, P; Patino, LC; Nair, MG
Journal Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry
Volume 52
Issue 26
Page Numbers 7822-7827
Abstract The sale of botanical dietary supplements in the United States is on the rise. However, limited studies have been conducted on the safety of these supplements. There are reports on the presence of undesired metals in some of the botanical dietary supplements. In this study, echinacea, garlic, ginkgo, ginseng, grape seed extract, kava kava, saw palmetto, and St. John's wort supplements manufactured by Nature's Way, Meijer, GNC, Nutrilite, Solaray, Sundown and Natrol, have been analyzed for lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic, uranium, chromium, vanadium, copper, zinc, molybdenum, palladium, tin, antimony, thallium, and tungsten using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. All samples were devoid of mercury contamination. Results indicated that the botanical supplements analyzed did not contain unacceptable concentrations of these metals. These supplements were also evaluated for microbial contamination, and most samples analyzed showed the presence of bacteria or fungi or both. Microbes were not counted nor were microbial counts determined in these samples.
Doi 10.1021/jf049150+
Pmid 15612762
Wosid WOS:000225985700015
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Comments |WOS:000225985700015
Is Public Yes
Language Text English
Keyword echinacea; garlic; ginkgo biloba; ginseng; grape seed extract; kava kava; saw palmetto; St. John's wort; ICP-MS; metals; bacteria; fungi
Is Qa No