Safety evaluation of Indocalamu leaves based on acute toxicity, harmful heavy metals, and 9 organochlorine residue determination

Abstract

To investigate the safety of zongzi leaves sold in the market, a study was conducted using zongzi leaves randomly collected from an online store and a large supermarket. Acute toxicity experiments were performed on mice, and their body weight was monitored for 14 days after administration. After the observation period, blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis, and organ pathology was examined. Then, the content of copper, lead, cadmium, mercury, arsenic, and the residues of nine organochlorine pesticides in zongzi leaves were measured according to the national standard GB/T5009-2003 and the residue determination method in the 2020 edition of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. The results showed that the mice in the zongzi leaf (online store) group experienced mortality and severe liver and lung damage. The levels of lead, cadmium, mercury, arsenic, and the nine organochlorine pesticides met the relevant standards and regulations. However, the copper content in the zongzi leaf (supermarket) group was nearly 80 times higher than that in the online store group. Mice in the zongzi leaf (supermarket) group remained healthy without any abnormalities, and the levels of harmful heavy metals and organochlorine pesticides complied with the standards and regulations. The study suggests the need for regulatory policies and safety standards for the sale of zongzi leaves.