신혜지 (중앙대학교)

한상범 (중앙대학교)

신혜지 (중앙대학교)

한상범 (중앙대학교)

Fungicides and insecticides applied during cultivation of herbal medicines may remain as residues after harvest. With the Positive List System (PLS) and tightening of Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs), safety management and risk assessment of pesticide residues are increasingly important. Conventional methods have limitations such as low analytical efficiency and high limits of quantification (LOQ). Therefore, improved methods are needed to quantify trace residues through simplified sample preparation and advanced instrumentation. In this study, an improved method was developed and validated for four target compounds (cadusafos, prochloraz, fenarimol, and cyprodinil). Paeonia lactiflora and Astragalus membranaceus were selected as representative herbal medicines. Sample preparation was based on a QuEChERS approach, with extraction solvents selected according to the chemical properties of the target compounds. PSA and C18 were used for cleanup to minimize matrix interferences. Quantitative analysis was performed by GC-MS/MS. Validated according to CODEX guidelines, the method showed excellent linearity (R² ≥ 0.98) over 0.01–1 mg/kg, recoveries of 70–120%, and precision (RSD) within 20%. It enables reliable quantification of the four compounds in complex herbal matrices and is expected to support rapid, accurate quality control and safety monitoring of pesticide residues.

This research was supported by a grant (25202MFDS005) from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety in 2026.