Investigation of Ochratoxin A Contamination Among Seeds Herbal Medicines

This study aimed to evaluate the contamination levels of Ochratoxin A in 9 types of seed herbal medicines using a validated HPLC-FLD analytical method. The analytical method was rigorously validated for the specificity, linearity, accuracy, precision, limit of detection (LOD), and limit of quantification (LOQ). The method demonstrated high linearity (R² ≥ 0.9999), acceptable recovery rates (intraday: 85.13–86.13%, interday: 82.87-86.13%), and precision (relative standard deviation (RSD: 0.619–2.760%), all within international guidelines. The LOD and LOQ were determined to be 0.24 ng/mL and 0.73 ng/mL, respectively. Of the 41 herbal medicine samples analyzed, Ochratoxin A was detected in 7 samples - 6 from Arecae Semen and 1 from Persicae Semen - with concentrations ranging from 2.18 to 70.84 ng/g. Additionally, 2 Arecae Semen samples showed co-contamination with aflatoxins. The validated method provides a scientific basis for establishing Ochratoxin A regulatory standards in herbal medicines and highlights the need for rigorous mycotoxin monitoring in traditional herbal products.