In May 2019 researchers from Italy, Ireland and Switzerland published the results of their review of the medical scientific literature to assess whether certain edible plants contain natural sources of bisphenol F, a known endocrine disrupting chemical, which is structurally similar to bisphenol A. In 2016, it was reported that commercially sold mustard contained naturally occurring bisphenol F hence the decision to undertake this review. Results showed that Coeloglossum viride var. bracteatum (rhizome), Galeola faberi (rhizome), Gastrodia elata (rhizome), Xanthium strumarium (seeds) and Tropidia curculioides (root) were all found to contain naturally occurring bisphenol F, with the highest levels of bisphenol F being found in G. elata and T. curculioides. Botanical extracts from all these plants are used in traditional Chinese medicine and therefore this source of exposure should be considered when assessing an individual’s overall exposure to this group of endocrine disrupting chemicals.
Huang T et al. Naturally occurring bisphenol F in plants used in traditional medicine. Arch Toxicol. 2019 May 5. [Epub ahead of print]