Safety evaluation of Indocalamus Iatifolius McClure leaves based on acute toxicity, harmful metals, and 9 organochlorine residue determination

To investigate the safety of Indocalamu Iatifolius McClur leaves sold in the market, a study was conducted using Indocalamu Iatifolius McClur 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 (Cu), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), and the residues of nine organochlorine pesticides in Indocalamu Iatifolius McClur leaves were measured according to the National Food Safety Standard (GB/T5009-2003) and the pesticide residue determination methods in the 2020 edition of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. The results showed that the mice in the Indocalamu Iatifolius McClur leaves (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 Indocalamu Iatifolius McClur leaves (online store) group was nearly 80 times higher than that in the supermarket group. Mice in the Indocalamu Iatifolius McClur leaves (supermarket) group remained healthy without any abnormalities, and the levels of harmful 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 Indocalamu Iatifolius McClur leaves.