Abstract
Citrinin (CIT) is secondary metabolite of filamentous molds. This mycotoxin has nephrotoxic, hepatotoxic, embryocidal, and fetotoxic properties. It is also produced by several species of the three genera Penicillium spp., Aspergillus spp., and Monascus spp., which are used to make red yeast rice (RYR). The material for this study consisted of 15 dietary supplements containing an extract of fermented red rice, available on the Polish market. Samples were extracted using a MeOH–H2O mixture, cleaned-up with an immunoaffinity CitriTest HPLC column, and quantified by HPLC–FLD. None of the analyzed samples contained CIT above the established limit of detection (LOD). Studies on the presence of toxic metabolites in red yeast rice show the importance of regulating this product and of clear information on the label regarding the standardized amounts of monacolin.
Highlights
CIT is secondary metabolite of filamentous molds
Our research regarding the presence of CIT in dietary supplements containing monacolin K showed that none of the analyzed samples contained CIT exceeding the established limit of detection (LOD)
A study conducted in Taiwan in 2009–2012 showed that of all 302 samples, CIT contamination was 69.0%, 35.1%, and 5.7% for raw material, dietary supplements, and processed red yeast rice products, respectively
Summary
CIT is secondary metabolite of filamentous molds This mycotoxin with antibiotic properties [1] was first isolated from Penicillium citrinum in 1931 by Hetherington and Raistrick [2]. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified CIT as a Group 3 carcinogen due to limited evidence of its carcinogenicity in experimental animals and no evidence regarding humans. CIT has embryocidal and fetotoxic effects [14] It commonly contaminates food and foodstuff, grains such as corn [15], wheat, rye, barley, oats [16] and rice [17,18]. Due to the nephrotoxicity and uncertainty regarding the carcinogenicity and genotoxicity of CIT, the maximum permissible content of this mycotoxin in supplements based on fermented rice was determined to be 2 mg/kg
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
