Risk Assessment and Risk Reduction of Ptaquiloside in Bracken Fern

This study was conducted to determine the optimal boiling time to reduce ptaquiloside (PTA) and to carry out a risk assessment for PTA, a representative toxic substance found in bracken fern (BF; Pteridium aquilinum), which is frequently consumed as food in East Asian countries. High-performance liquid chromatography showed that the concentration of PTA in BF was reduced by up to 99% after boiling for 20 min. Risk assessment results showed that the cancer margin of exposure (MOE; >= 25,000 = safe) to PTA for an average daily exposure scenario after boiling BF for 20 min was considered safe. In addition, the non-cancer MOE (>= 300 = safe) to PTA under an average daily exposure scenario after BF boiling for 20 min was considered safe. However, human exposure to PTA was considered unsafe under the non-boiled BF exposure and maximum daily exposure scenarios. Therefore, boiling BF for at least 20 min is recommended before consumption, to reduce exposure to PTA as much as possible.

Automated summary

This study aimed to determine the optimal boiling time to reduce ptaquiloside (PTA) and assess the risk of consuming bracken fern (BF) containing PTA. High-performance liquid chromatography showed a 99% reduction in PTA concentration after boiling BF for 20 min. Risk assessment results indicated that boiling BF for 20 min resulted in safe levels of cancer and non-cancer exposure to PTA. However, exposure to PTA was considered unsafe under non-boiled BF and maximum daily exposure scenarios. Thus, boiling BF for at least 20 min is recommended to minimize PTA exposure.