Essential oils (EOs) are widely used in the food industry as natural food preservatives to extend product shelf life and as flavoring agents. The aim of this work was to study the chemical profile of the EO from laurel (Laurus nobilis) and its antifungal, antitoxigenic, and antioxidant activities. The extractive yield of the EO from Algerian laurel was 1.13% being 1,8‐cineole the most dominant compound (35.5%) by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis. The values of minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) against Aspergillus flavus were 1.75 and 2 mg/ml, respectively. The production of aflatoxin B1 was inhibited by EO concentrations between 0.25 mg/ml (15% decrease) and 1.50 mg/ml (86% decrease), and it was totally inhibited at the MFC value. The EO showed a wide antifungal spectrum against other species in a dose‐dependent manner. In a food‐model study, the L. nobilis EO showed remarkable efficacy in fumigated wheat grains, providing from 51.5% to 76.7% protection against A. flavus during 6‐month storage. The L. nobilis EO showed good free radical scavenging activity by DPPH assay (IC50 value of 602 μg/ml) and moderate antioxidant activity in the β‐carotene bleaching assay (46% inhibition of linoleic acid oxidation). The conclusions of this study justify future research for the application of EO from laurel as a natural preservative to improve food safety and extend shelf life by controlling spoilage and toxigenic molds as well as oxidative damage.
Cereal-based products, nuts and dried fruits are staple foods for the Algerian population. However, these foodstuffs may be sources of harmful mycotoxins, with negative impacts on human health. The purpose of this study was to investigate the occurrences and levels of aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1 and G2), ochratoxin A (OTA), deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZEA) in 198 samples of nuts, dried fruits and cereal products commercialized in Algeria, as well as to calculate the estimated daily intakes (EDIs). Aflatoxins were found in 26.2% of the nut samples (in peanuts and almonds, but not in walnuts), 38.7% of the dried fruit samples (in dried figs, dates and bradj pastries) and 47.9% of the cereal-based products (in rechta noodles and metlou bread, but not in couscous), with mean concentrations ranging from 0.03 to 0.49 μg/kg. OTA occurred in 16.9% of the cereal-based samples, averaging 0.15 μg/kg, but it was not detected in nuts or dried fruits. The incidence of DON in the cereal-based products was 85.9% on average, with a mean concentration from 90 to 123 μg/kg. ZEA mycotoxin was not detected in any samples. Four peanut samples exceeded the EU maximum level for aflatoxin B1 set at 2 μg/kg, while three of them surpassed the maximum level for the sum of aflatoxins (4 μg/kg). Traditional foods such as bradj, rechta and metlou were significant sources of aflatoxins, with MOE (margin of exposure) values ranging from 648 to 9333, indicating a potential risk for the Algerian population.
Aspergillus flavus has been reported to be one of the most common fungal species in foods. Under conditions of high humidity and moderate temperature, this fungus may synthetize the mycotoxin Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), which is reported to be hepatotoxic, teratogenic, mutagenic and immunosuppressive to human beings and livestock and it is classified as carcinogenic to humans (Group 1 by IARC). AFB1 affects cereals, oilseeds, nuts, spices, legumes, and dried fruits, while Aflatoxin M1 is a metabolite of AFB1 that can occur in milk and milk products. Current control is aimed at controlling fungal growth and AFB1 production in food by eco-friendly, biodegradable and safer alternatives, in contrast to synthetic chemicals that can be toxic to humans and cause adverse environmental effects. Recently, considerable attention has been directed towards natural compounds, such as essential oils (EOs) as a promising approach for controlling AFB1 production in food. The main reason for supporting the application of natural products is the consumer's preference for natural methods to preserve foods. The aim of the present review is to summarize knowledge of EOs and AFB1 production from the literature.
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