The mould phenomenon occurred commonly in the cultivation, processing and storage period of medicinal materials, which may result in production of mycotoxins. Mycotoxin contaminations caused by fungi are major issues related to the quality and safety of Chinese herbal medicine. This review summarized the work published in aflatoxins contamination of Chinese herbal medicine in China through the previous decade. The conclusion to be drawn from this survey is that aflatoxin exposure remains an important aspect of Chinese herbal medicine safety which needs to be paid great attention. We raised some points that should be focused on in future. The strategies of changing environment to suppress growth of toxin-producing fungus, so as to reduce aflatoxins are the most practical and effective ways, while biological control in the field production is a promising approach.
Aflatoxins ; analysis ; toxicity ; Animals ; China ; Cricetinae ; Cricetulus ; Drug Contamination ; prevention & control ; Fungi ; chemistry ; Herbal Medicine ; ethics ; Mycotoxins ; analysis ; toxicity

ln order to investigate the mutagenic activity of Meju, an important component of the Korean diet, both chemical techniques and the Ames test were used. To determine if antimutagenic activity is present in Meju and other soybean based foods, the Ames Test was done in the presence of aflatoxin B1, benzo(a)pyrene, and other mutagens. Although aflatoxin contamination was found in 6 of 43 samples of Meju tested, the amounts were less than 1 ppb in all but one. Meju had a protective effect against mutations produced by both aflatoxins and benzo(a)pyrene, both of which act via an epoxide, but not against other mutagens tested.
Aflatoxins/analysis/*toxicity ; Fermentation ; Food Contamination/*analysis ; In Vitro ; Korea ; Mutagenicity Tests ; *Mutation ; Plant Extracts/toxicity ; Soybeans/*toxicity ; Support, Non-U.S. Gov't