46I-13 |
Analysis of cyanide contents of some fruits, vegetables and grains in Korea |
K. H. Park1, Y. J. JO1, E. K. Kim1, J. E. Ku1, S. S. Oh2, and K. R. Yoon1. (1) Department of Food Science & Technology, Chung-Ang University, San 40-1 Naeri Daedug, Ansung, 456-756, South Korea, (2) Department of Food & Nutrition, Ewha Womans University, 11-1 Daehyun-dong, Sudaemoon-ku, Seoul, 120-750, South Korea Cyanide compounds are widely distributed in many plants, which inhibit cellular oxidative processes with small amounts but may associate with chronic neurological toxicity resulting in death eventually. However, there is little information about the cyanide contents of agricultural products in Korea. The object of this study was to analyze the distribution of cyanide compounds in some fruits, vegetables and grains selling in Korean market and thus to provide some basic data for the estimation of human exposure level to cyanide as well as for a proper management of it. Cyanide contents of peach, Japanese apricot, plum, apricot, bamboo shoots, soybean and sorghum were determined by the pyridine-barbituric acid colorimetric procedure. Fruits were divided into pulp and seed and measured the cyanide concentration separately. The amounts of cyanide were 515ppm in seed and 386ppm in pulp of apricot while 15ppm in Japanese apricot seed and 8ppm in Japanese apricot pulp. There were traceable concentrations in pulps of peach and plum but 39ppm in peach seed and 27ppm in plum seed. The cyanide contents of tip of bamboo shoots, soybean and sorghum were 119, 50 and 11ppm, respectively. These results indicate that the concentration of cyanide compounds is high in seeds that are frequently used as raw materials of folk remedy in Korea. Therefore, it would be considered to evaluate the potential risk caused by the consumption of those seeds in order to establish a proper risk management plan.
Session 46I, Toxicology & Safety Evaluation
|