Medicinal Plants Sampled In Pakistan Found To Be Contaminated With Toxins

A study of common medicinal plants grown in Pakistan finds that about 43 percent are naturally contaminated with toxins produced by molds. The study’s findings are sobering because 64 percent of people worldwide use medicinal plants to treat illnesses and relieve pain. The fast-growing herbal medicine market is worth $60 billion globally. Nearly a third of samples collected contained carcinogenic aflatoxins; a quarter contained ochratoxin A, which is harmful to the liver, kidneys and immune system. Toxins were found on samples of licorice, Indian rennet and opium poppy.