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4684170 
Journal Article 
Determination of metalloid, metallic and mineral elements in herbal teas: Risk assessment for the consumers 
Martín-Domingo, MC; Pla, A; Hernández, AF; Olmedo, P; Navas-Acien, A; Lozano-Paniagua, D; Gil, F 
2017 
Yes 
Journal of Food Composition and Analysis
ISSN: 0889-1575
EISSN: 1096-0481 
60 
81-89 
English 
WOS:000402356800011 
In spite of herbal teas having potential health benefits, the presence of metal contamination in these products has raised public health concerns. An analytical method for the determination of metallic elements (Hg, Pb, Cr and Cd), metalloids (As) and mineral compounds (Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn) in herbal teas has been validated. Levels of these elements were determined in 220 samples of herbal teas purchased from supermarkets (which marketed own and leading brands), street herbal markets and herbal stores. In a further step, potential human health risks for the consumers were assessed. Cd in thyme and chamomile from some selling points exceeded the maximum permissible limit set by the WHO and the European Pharmacopoeia for herbal medicines or herbal drugs (also referred to as herbal teas). Regarding mineral elements, the highest Mn levels were found in red and green tea among all plant studied, in line with other studies. However, the estimated daily intake of metal/metalloid and mineral elements from the commercial herbal teas studied, considering the percentage of solubilization in infusions and the bioavailability of each compound, do not pose human health risks. 
food composition; food analysis; toxic elements; metallic elements; herbal teas; medicinal plants; risk assessment; environmental contamination