Sulfur fumigation of botanical drugs: impact on chemical composition and pharmacological properties, and advances in detection technologies

作者：Weiyi Xu, Hongyu Jin, Ying Wang, Feng Wei, Jing Liu · 发表于：Frontiers in Pharmacology · 年份：2025 · DOI：10.3389/fphar.2025.1635850 · 被引用次数：3 · 研究领域：Ziziphus Jujuba Studies and Applications、Ginseng Biological Effects and Applications、Genomics, phytochemicals, and oxidative stress

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), a fundamental aspect of traditional medicine, is highly regarded for its natural efficacy and diverse applications. However, sulfur fumigation, a prevalent processing technique used to prevent insect and mold infestations, poses significant risks, including the presence of Sulfur Dioxide (SO 2 ) residues, alterations in chemical compositions, diminished therapeutic effects, and heightened toxicity. As the demand for TCM continues to rise, ensuring its quality and safety becomes increasingly critical. This review explores the significance of analytical and regulatory methods for monitoring SO 2 residues and the chemical changes induced by sulfur fumigation. The application of sulfur fumigation significantly impacts the chemical and pharmacological properties of TCM, leading to notable changes in its bioactive components. Studies show that the structure and concentration of the main components, such as ginsenosides, anthraquinones, and flavonoids are changed by this process, which decreases their pharmacological activity, which includes antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Additionally, the sulfur dioxide and heavy metals generated during sulfur fumigation have posed new toxicological concerns. Prolonged exposure to these residues may result in respiratory problems and potential carcinogenic effects. In recent years, researchers have created various innovative detection technologies, including fluorescent probe rapid ...