Acaroid mites (Acari: Astigmata) in Chinese traditional medicines

Abstract

Almost 2000 samples of the dried plants and animals used in Chinese traditional medicine were collected from a storehouse in Huainan city, Anhui province, China, where they had been kept for at least 6 months. When examined, every sample was found to contain acaroid mites. The mites included representatives of 44 species belonging to 22 genera and seven families. It seems that samples of Chinese traditional medicine frequently become severely infested with mites while in storage. More importance should be attached to protecting the medicines against mite infestation and to protecting against acariasis those who ingest or simply handle the medicines.