HONG KONG: People who buy cordyceps sinesis, an expensive Chinese herb, have been warned to be careful. The products for which they are paying a lot of money may contain harmful substances, according to a study conducted by the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

Cordyceps sinensis, known as "winter worm, summer grass" in Chinese and sometimes as caterpillar fungus, is an expensive Chinese medicine for curing consumptive disease and improving the immune system.

University biology professor Paul But Pui-hay and his team examined 15 cordyceps sinensis samples and 10 cordyceps capsules, obtained at prices between HK$2,000 and HK$4,000 per tael (50 grams).

They found 40 percent of the 15 samples were either not codyceps sinesis or they contained harmful substances. Five were cordycep hawkesii, similar in appearance but not included in the pharmacology of Chinese medicine. One sample had been previously soaked in alum. Both substances will lead to headache and vomitting.

Some manufacturers added stachys, another cordyceps-like structure that has no medicinal value. Manufacturers have also added wires and bamboo picks, increasing the weight of cordyceps by up to 50 percent.

The three pre-packed cordyceps products tested by the university contained harmful substances.

"Stachys cost under HK$100 for 50 grams, whilst genuine cordyceps could be up to HK$30 million per 50 grams. By making the cordyceps heavier, the profit margin to the sellers may be drastically increased," But said.

He said the labels in some products were misleading. The packages branded the products as cordyceps sinesis, but again they contain other substances.

"Most of the time the amount of excipients contained in the capsules is not clearly noted in the packaging," said But.

Pamela Chan, a postgraduate student of But's, pointed out some features of genuine and fake cordycep sinensis.

"The strips on the body of cordyceps sinesis are very clear, and there are four pairs of 'feet' on the body. For cordycep hawkesii, no such 'feet' could be found on them," Chan explained.

Kent Hau Kwan-kong, director of Hing Kee Java Edible Bird's Nest, advised retailers to check the imported cordyceps thoroughly and use X-Ray detectors to identify flawed products.

But urged the Department of Health to make it mandatory for the manufacturers to specify the exact ingredients of the products, not just labeling them as cordyceps sinensis.

Tsang Yiu-gong, chairman of Po Sau Tong Ginseng and Antler Association Hong Kong Ltd, pointed out bamboo strips and metals are sometimes inevitable in cordyceps sinensis.

"The fungus often comes along with bamboo strips from its origin. The peasants add (bamboo strips) themselves. We hire people and use machines to remove impurities," Tsang said, adding that cheaper fungi found near Nepal and Tibet often contain metals, as the origin is contaminated by high metal content.

But he added that he believes some retailers will risk selling counterfeit products in the economic downturn.

Some 10 or 20 percent of Tsang's customers for fungus were mainland tourists prior to the financial crisis.

The Consumer Council received 30 complaints concerning sales of fungus in 2008.

A spokesman for the Customs and Excise Department said the department has received five complaints concerning counterfeit fungus.

The department has submitted the fungus to experts examination.

The spokesman added that those violating the Trade Description Ordinance will be subject to a maximum penalty of HK$500,000 fine and five years imprisonment. Violation of Weights and Measures Ordinance is subject to HK$200,000 fine and six months imprisonment.

A spokesman for the Department of Health said they will study the CUHK's report.

(HK Edition 07/31/2009 page1)