Abstract
In this study aqueous extract of seeds and leaves of Trachyspermum ammi were evaluated for their ability to detoxify aflatoxin B1 and B2 (AFB1; 100 μg L−1 and AFB2; 50 μg L−1) by in vitro and in vivo assays. Results indicated that T. ammi seeds extract was found to be significant (P < 0.05) in degrading AFB1 and AFB2 i.e., 92.8 and 91.9% respectively. However, T. ammi leaves extract proved to be less efficient in degrading these aflatoxins, under optimized conditions i.e., pH 8, temperature 30°C and incubation period of 72 h. The structural elucidation of degraded toxin products by LCMS/MS analysis showed that eight degraded products of AFB1 and AFB2 were formed. MS/MS spectra showed that most of the products were formed by the removal of double bond in the terminal furan ring and modification of lactone group indicating less toxicity as compared to parent compounds. Brine shrimps bioassay further confirmed the low toxicity of degraded products, showing that T. ammi seeds extract can be used as an effective tool for the detoxification of aflatoxins.
Highlights
Mycotoxins are chemically and biologically active secondary metabolites produced by fungi in cereals, nuts, fruits and vegetables (Sinha and Sinha, 1991; Aly, 2002)
Aqueous extracts of Trachyspermum ammi leaves and seeds were evaluated for their ability to detoxify aflatoxin B1 and B2 at different temperatures and incubation time
Time course study of toxin degradation showed that detoxification of AFB1 and AFB2 started within 3 h of incubation and percentage of degradation increased with increase in incubation time (Table 1)
Summary
Mycotoxins are chemically and biologically active secondary metabolites produced by fungi in cereals, nuts, fruits and vegetables (Sinha and Sinha, 1991; Aly, 2002). About 25% of the world cereals are contaminated with known mycotoxins produced by variety of toxigenic fungi. More than 400 mycotoxins are identified, among them, aflatoxins are the most serious carcinogenic, hepatotoxic, teratogenic, and mutagenic secondary metabolites which adversely affect humans and animal health. They are classified as group-1 carcinogens by International Agency for Research on cancer (IARC, 2002). Aflatoxin contamination can occur at any stage of food production from pre-harvest to storage (Wilson and Payne, 1994). Factors that affect aflatoxin contamination include the climate, genotype of the crop planted, soil type, temperature fluxes, intercropping with infected grains, early and delayed harvesting, improper drying and meager storage conditions (Folayan, 2013)
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
