Investigation of Ochratoxin A and Citrinin Occurrence in Medicinal Herbal Products from the Czech Market

Jakub Toman (), Darina Pickova (), Karolina Brandova, Vladimir Ostry and Frantisek Malir
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Jakub Toman: University of Hradec Kralove
Darina Pickova: University of Hradec Kralove
Karolina Brandova: University of Hradec Kralove
Vladimir Ostry: National Institute of Public Health in Prague
Frantisek Malir: University of Hradec Kralove

Drug Safety, 2025, vol. 48, issue 11, No 4, 1215-1227

Abstract: Abstract Introduction Medicinal plants are extensively utilized as dietary supplements to encourage disease prevention and to support the treatment of various health disorders. Unfortunately, several plants are known for mycotoxin contamination, which may overwhelm any beneficial effects the plants might have. Objective The purpose of the study was to determine the presence of ochratoxin A (OTA) and citrinin (CIT) in medicinal herbal products (MHP). Methods Sixty samples of different MHP types were purchased on the Czech market during 2020–2021. Both mycotoxins were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography with a fluorescence detector with immunoaffinity columns employed as a pretreatment. Results In total, 40% and 27% of samples were above the limit of quantification with the concentrations ranging up to 826.62 ng/g and 472.79 ng/g for OTA and CIT, respectively. The co-occurrence was confirmed in six MHP types. Conclusions MHP could be a significant source of OTA and CIT. To protect the health of MHP users, it is desirable to continue monitoring the presence of mycotoxins in MHP. During this study, new OTA regulations for herbs came into force in the EU.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1007/s40264-025-01570-5

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