Advances in research on novel technologies for the detection of exogenous contaminants in traditional Chinese medicine

Exogenous contaminants in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), including pesticide residues, heavy metals, mycotoxins, and sulfur dioxide residues, pose significant risks to human health and environmental safety. Conventional detection methods are limited by insufficient sensitivity, complex sample p...

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Main Authors: Ziyu Guo, Junyao Li, Lina Zeng, Ping Wang, Meifang Li, Chang Su, Shuhong Wang
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2025-08-01
Series:Frontiers in Pharmacology
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Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2025.1658241/full
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author Ziyu Guo
Junyao Li
Lina Zeng
Ping Wang
Meifang Li
Chang Su
Shuhong Wang
author_facet Ziyu Guo
Junyao Li
Lina Zeng
Ping Wang
Meifang Li
Chang Su
Shuhong Wang
author_sort Ziyu Guo
collection DOAJ
description Exogenous contaminants in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), including pesticide residues, heavy metals, mycotoxins, and sulfur dioxide residues, pose significant risks to human health and environmental safety. Conventional detection methods are limited by insufficient sensitivity, complex sample preparation, and challenges in multi-residue analysis, compromising accuracy and efficiency. To address these critical bottlenecks—particularly the escalating regulatory demands and trade barriers due to contamination incidents—this review establishes the first integrated ‘dual track’ quality control framework for TCM contaminants. We propose a novel risk stratified strategy synergizing laboratory grade accuracy with field deployable screening, overcoming the sensitivity portability trade-off. This work provides a roadmap for establishing globally harmonized standards. Future research should prioritize high-throughput methods, intelligent analytics, and green detection technologies. Integrating AI-driven automation with data traceability could establish unified systems for contaminant detection and degradation, enhancing TCM quality control and global competitiveness.
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publisher Frontiers Media S.A.
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series Frontiers in Pharmacology
spelling doaj-art-85e0995a7de24be3a24a50733c19b3312025-08-20T03:02:52ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Pharmacology1663-98122025-08-011610.3389/fphar.2025.16582411658241Advances in research on novel technologies for the detection of exogenous contaminants in traditional Chinese medicineZiyu GuoJunyao LiLina ZengPing WangMeifang LiChang SuShuhong WangExogenous contaminants in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), including pesticide residues, heavy metals, mycotoxins, and sulfur dioxide residues, pose significant risks to human health and environmental safety. Conventional detection methods are limited by insufficient sensitivity, complex sample preparation, and challenges in multi-residue analysis, compromising accuracy and efficiency. To address these critical bottlenecks—particularly the escalating regulatory demands and trade barriers due to contamination incidents—this review establishes the first integrated ‘dual track’ quality control framework for TCM contaminants. We propose a novel risk stratified strategy synergizing laboratory grade accuracy with field deployable screening, overcoming the sensitivity portability trade-off. This work provides a roadmap for establishing globally harmonized standards. Future research should prioritize high-throughput methods, intelligent analytics, and green detection technologies. Integrating AI-driven automation with data traceability could establish unified systems for contaminant detection and degradation, enhancing TCM quality control and global competitiveness.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2025.1658241/fullChinese materia medicaexogenous contaminantsnovel technologies and methodsbiosensorquality of traditional Chinese medicine
spellingShingle Ziyu Guo
Junyao Li
Lina Zeng
Ping Wang
Meifang Li
Chang Su
Shuhong Wang
Advances in research on novel technologies for the detection of exogenous contaminants in traditional Chinese medicine
Frontiers in Pharmacology
Chinese materia medica
exogenous contaminants
novel technologies and methods
biosensor
quality of traditional Chinese medicine
title Advances in research on novel technologies for the detection of exogenous contaminants in traditional Chinese medicine
title_full Advances in research on novel technologies for the detection of exogenous contaminants in traditional Chinese medicine
title_fullStr Advances in research on novel technologies for the detection of exogenous contaminants in traditional Chinese medicine
title_full_unstemmed Advances in research on novel technologies for the detection of exogenous contaminants in traditional Chinese medicine
title_short Advances in research on novel technologies for the detection of exogenous contaminants in traditional Chinese medicine
title_sort advances in research on novel technologies for the detection of exogenous contaminants in traditional chinese medicine
topic Chinese materia medica
exogenous contaminants
novel technologies and methods
biosensor
quality of traditional Chinese medicine
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2025.1658241/full
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