Monitoring of pesticide residues in some herbal preparations and phytomedicines

Organophosphorus pesticide residues in filly-five samples which were collected from the local market representing 18 herbal preparations and phytomedicines were determined during the period from December 2002 to April 2003. The obtained results showed that, out of these samples 18 [represented 32.73%] were found contaminated with one or more of the monitored pesticides. The residues of chlorpyrifos, malathion, metalaxyl, pirimiphos-methyl and profenofos pesticides were found in higher amounts above the recommended limits showing 30.91% violated samples. On the other hand only dimethoate was existed in quantity below the permissible level. Also data showed the predominance of malathion and chlorpyrifos organophosphates in most contaminated samples. On the contrary, samples collected of phytomedicines intended for baby, were found free of any detectable amounts of the monitored pesticides, or in amounts below the limit of detection [LoD] in our laborator

Monitoring of organophosphorus pesticide residues in certain medicinal plants on the local market

Organophosphorus pesticides which are commonly used in Egypt for pest control were monitored in 78 medicinal plant samples: 14 packed samples representing 7 herbal remedies and 64 samples representing 12 herbal remedies obtained from different Egyptian markets. All samples were subjected to residual analysis of 14 organophosphorus compounds. Extraction and cleanup procedures for multiresidue detection of pesticides had been carried out. Of all analyzed samples, 35.9% contained detectable residues and 26.9% exceeded the maximum residue limits [MRL’S]. Cumin, chamomile and anise were the most contaminated samples which exceeded the [MRLs] with violation rate of 71.4%, 66.6% and 40.0% respectively. The results also demonstrated that malathion, profenofos and diazinon were the main organophosphorus pesticides exceeding the [MRL’s]. Cinnamon, caraway, liquorice, senna and chicory were found free from any detectable pesticide residues

Monitoring of organochlorine pesticide residues in milk powder

Milk Powder is used in Egypt as infant food and also for adults. Contamination of milk powder with organochlorine pesticide residues was investigated in samples collected from the markets which belong to different producers. Hexachlorocyclohexane alpha and beta isomers and p, p/ DDE- residues were found to contaminate all milk powder samples with concentrations ranged between 0.36-0.81 ppb, 4.76-9.19 ppb and 0.84-6.11 ppb respectively when the milk powder was diluted with tap water and between 0.23-0.95 ppb, 4.76-11.91 ppb and 1.24-6.24ppb respectively when diluted with boiled water. Analysis of tap water and boiled water results indicated the presence of low concentrations of organochlorine pesticide residues. Some of which decreased by the thermal treatment i.e. alpha HCH from 0.013 to 0.003 ppb, dieldrin from 0.054 to 0.004 ppb and non significant p, p/ DDE from 0.100 to 0.089 ppb. While beta HCH showed opposite pattern as its residues increased from 0.153 to 0.439 ppb after boiling the water. Some of the milk powder studied are specified as babies and infant food. Daily intake of detected contaminants was calculated and referred to their Acceptable Daily Intake [ADI]