Assessment of pollution and probabilistic carcinogenic risk of Pb, Cd and As in Lonicerae Flos

doi:10.19803/j.1672-8629.20260074

Abstract

Abstract: Objective To establish a framework for assessment of pollution by heavy metals and harmful elements and the probabilistic carcinogenic risk that is consistent with the usage of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Methods The contents of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and arsenic (As) in 41 batches of Lonicerae Flos derived from Lonicera macranthoides were determined via inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Levels of contamination were assessed using the single-factor pollution index and the Nemerow comprehensive pollution index. The probabilistic carcinogenic risk was also studied based on Monte Carlo simulation combined with the carcinogenic risk (CR) model. Results After correction by the transfer rate, the single-factor pollution indices ranged from 0.00 to 0.52 for Pb, 0.01 to 0.63 for Cd, and 0.00 to 0.11 for As, with Cd being the primary contributing pollutant. The Nemerow comprehensive pollution index ranged from 0.01 to 0.34, indicating an overall pollution level from safe to slight contamination. The probabilistic carcinogenic risk assessment suggested that the carcinogenic risks attributable to Cd and As in Lonicerae Flos warranted attention in both general and high-exposure populations. Conclusion An integrated approach to assessment of contamination and probabilistic carcinogenic risk of heavy metals and harmful elements in Lonicerae Flos derived from Lonicera macranthoides has been established, which is expected to provide technical support for safety evaluation of TCM and for the formulation or revision of relevant regulatory limit standards.

Key words: Lonicerae Flos, Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Arsenic (As), Heavy Metals, Single Factor Pollution Index Method, Nemerow Comprehensive Index Method, Monte Carlo Simulation

CLC Number:

R282
R994.11

Liao Chang, Liu Jialin, Zuo Tiantian, Lin Yongqiang, Cheng Xianlong, Ren Yating, Wang Yanyan, Wang Yannan, Kong Dejuan. Assessment of pollution and probabilistic carcinogenic risk of Pb, Cd and As in Lonicerae Flos[J]. Chinese Journal of Pharmacovigilance, 2026, 23(8): 852-858.

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URL: https://zgywjj.magtechjournal.com/EN/10.19803/j.1672-8629.20260074

https://zgywjj.magtechjournal.com/EN/Y2026/V23/I8/852

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