Machine learning and network toxicology reveal arsenic as a key driver of non-carcinogenic health risks from heavy metal residues in Chinese medicinal plants.

Journal: The Science of the total environment
Published Date:

Abstract

Heavy metal (HM) residues in Chinese medicinal plants (CMPs) threaten their quality and human health. This study investigated anthropogenic drivers of HMs accumulation, evaluated key HMs contributing to the non-carcinogenic hazard index (HI), and explored health risks. Arsenic (As), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), and copper (Cu) residues correlated with energy consumption, industrial activities, and agricultural practices. Using 28,550 HM contents, an Extreme Gradient Boosting model (R = 0.93) predicted HI values, showing north-south polarization in China, with peak risks in northern and southern regions. Shapley additive explanation analysis ranked As as the top risk factor, followed by Pb, Hg, and Cd, while Cu had a minimal impact. A novel exponential relationship (R = 0.91) linked As to HI. Network pharmacology suggested that As may trigger non-carcinogenic diseases via autophagy, apoptosis, lipid metabolism, and oxidative stress pathways. Findings underscore the need for As-focused controls, part-specific regulations, and regional safety strategies, providing new insights into As-induced health risks of CMPs.

Authors

  • Guangying Du
    Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Huaxi, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, China; Guizhou Key Laboratory of Modern Traditional Chinese Medicine Creation, Huaxi, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, China. Electronic address: duguangying114@gzy.edu.cn.
  • Yuanju Zhang
    Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Huaxi, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, China.
  • Ting Zou
    Yiyang Branch, China Telecom Co., Ltd., Yiyang 413000, China.
  • Chang Liu
    Key Lab of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
  • Yingyue Hou
    Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Huaxi, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, China.
  • Jing Li
    Department of Neurosurgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China.
  • Feifei Deng
    Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Huaxi, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, China.
  • Jiayi An
    Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Huaxi, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, China.
  • Li Feng
    Department of Radiation Oncology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.
  • Bangna Wu
    Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Huaxi, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, China.
  • Lingdan Huang
    Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Huaxi, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, China.
  • Ying Zhou
    Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaceutical Analysis, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.

Keywords

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