Pesticide Residues
Pesticide residues in herbal products refer to trace amounts of pesticides that may remain in herbs used for supplements or remedies. These residues can originate from agricultural practices during cultivation. Ensuring compliance with regulatory standards for maximum residue limits (MRLs) is essential for guaranteeing the safety and purity of herbal products. Rigorous testing and quality control processes help ensure that these products are free from harmful levels of pesticide residues.
Biomarker Testing List:
| Biomarker | Scientific Pathway Details | Used to Prove Claims |
|---|---|---|
| Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) | AChE breaks down acetylcholine in the synaptic cleft to terminate nerve signal transmission. Inhibition by organophosphate and carbamate pesticides disrupts this process, leading to overstimulation of nerves. | Pesticide Exposure |
| Pesticide Metabolites | Pesticide metabolites are by-products formed when the body breaks down pesticides. These can be detected in biological samples using methods such as mass spectrometry or gas chromatography. | Exposure Confirmation |
| Glutathione-S-Transferases | GSTs are enzymes that conjugate glutathione to xenobiotics, including pesticides, facilitating their detoxification and elimination. Changes in GST activity reflect the body's response to pesticide exposure. | Detoxification Response |
| Carboxylesterase Activity | Carboxylesterases hydrolyze organophosphate pesticides into less toxic metabolites. Reduced enzyme activity can indicate pesticide exposure and accumulation. | Pesticide Breakdown |
Scientific Driven with our Technology:
Using our expertise in immunology and cell culture, we develop immunoassays based on ELISA principle. Using cutting edge tools like 3D tissues (some of which are OECD approved for skin / cornea irritation), we bring the human experimentation into the labs. Curating a list of research publications, we have developed a platform to test products for their biomarkers mimicking the human model to generate data to back our label claims.
Read our Blog on Cosmetic Product Claims and other Product Claims (natural / herbal / naturopathy etc)