Arsenic Species in Cordyceps sinensis and Its Potential Health Risks

Abstract

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.

Arsenic Content, Speciation, and Distribution in Wild Cordyceps sinensis

“…HNO 3 solution is superior for recovery of iAs compared to simulated gastrointestinal juice. The results of Guo et al [ 21 ], Zuo et al [ 22 ], Zhou et al [ 23 ], Li et al [ 24 ], and the present research all support this conclusion.…”

“…Other studies indicate that the unknown arsenic species were in organic form and Guo's results [ 22 ] supported this conclusion using an H 2 O 2 oxidation test. Li et al [ 24 ] showed that unknown organic arsenic was abundant in wild C. sinensis using SEC-HPLC- ICP- MS and continuous extraction methods. Arsenic is distributed in lipids, proteins, polysaccharides, and other chemical compositions [ 24 ].…”

“…Li et al [ 24 ] showed that unknown organic arsenic was abundant in wild C. sinensis using SEC-HPLC- ICP- MS and continuous extraction methods. Arsenic is distributed in lipids, proteins, polysaccharides, and other chemical compositions [ 24 ].…”

Concentrations of Total As and As Speciation in Chinese Rice Wine and Associated Risk Assessment in Main Producing Provinces

“…Arsenic (As) is a carcinogenic and highly toxic metalloid found diffusely in the earth's crust, water, soil, plants, and food. 1,2 As can accumulate in the human body through food intake, which is a serious health risk to consumers. Inorganic arsenic (Asi), mainly arsenite and arsenate, is listed as a Group I carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and presents potential damage to the skin, lungs, kidneys, nervous system, respiratory system, and urinary system.…”

“…Rice products, such as rice wine, are also affected. 1,6 The toxicity of As depends strongly on the compounds it forms with specific chemical structures, rather than merely the total content. Asi has proved to be more poisonous than the organic As species, including monomethylarsonic acid, dimethylasinic acid (DMA), arsenobetaine (AsB), arsenocholine (AsC), and arsenosugars.…”