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In this study, a facile, ecological and economical green method is described for the fabrication of iron (Fe), copper (Cu) and silver (Ag) nanoparticles (NPs) from the extract of Syzygium cumini leaves. The obtained metal NPs were categorized using UV/Vis, SEM, TEM, FTIR and EDX-ray spectroscopy techniques. The Fe-, Cu-and Ag-NPs were crystalline, spherical and size ranged from 40−52, 28−35 and 11−19 nm, respectively. The Ag-NPs showed excellent antimicrobial activities against methicillin-and vancomycin-resistance Staphylococcus aureus bacterial strains and Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus fungal species. Furthermore, the aflatoxins (AFs) production was also significantly inhibited when compared with the Fe-and Cu-NPs. In contrast, the adsorption results of NPs with aflatoxin B 1 (AFB 1) were observed as following order Fe->Cu->Ag-NPs. The Langmuir isotherm model well described the equilibrium data by the sorption capacity of Fe-NPs (105.3 ng mg-1), Cu-NPs (88.5 ng mg-1) and Ag-NPs (81.7 ng mg-1). The adsorption was found feasible, endothermic and follow the pseudo-second order kinetic model as revealed by the thermodynamic and kinetic studies. The present findings suggests that the green synthesis of metal NPs is a simple, sustainable, non-toxic, economical and energy-effective as compared to the others conventional approaches. In addition, synthesized metal NPs might be a promising AFs adsorbent for the detoxification of AFB 1 in human and animal food/feed.

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During 2016-2017, 156 samples of fresh milk samples were collected from local markets of Karachi, Pakistan and analysed for aflatoxin M (AFM) contamination using ELISA technique. AFM was detected in 143 (91.7%) samples, ranged from 20 to 3090 ng L with a mean level of 346.2 ng L. In 125 (80.1%) samples, the AFM contamination was greater than the maximum limit (ML = 50 ng L) set by EU. However, in 51 (32.7%) samples, the AFM level was higher than the ML of 500 ng L as assigned by the USA. Statistical analysis showed that the AFM level in milk samples from summer was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than that obtained in winter. It was concluded that the AFM levels in the tested samples appear to be a serious public health problem. Therefore, immediate measures should be taken and re-evaluation done for the procedures for farming, transportation, refrigeration, and storage for the control of AFM level in milk samples.

Background Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels. is one of the very popular traditionally used medicinal plants with numerous pharmacological activities including antioxidant, hypoglycemic and anti-inflammatory. However, actions of S. cumini on blood coagulation and other parameters of blood were poorly pharmacologically studied. Therefore, aim of this present investigation is to examine the effects of methanolic extract of S. cumini on blood coagulation and anticoagulation factors in healthy white albino rabbits at different doses. Methods Blood samples were drawn twice during this study and biochemical assays were performed to determine the effect on different parameters such as coagulation, anticoagulation, hematological, Protein C (PC) and thrombin antithrombin (TAT) complex and platelet aggregation. Results The results showed significant increase in RBCs, hemoglobin, hematocrit and platelets counts up to 1.4 × 10 3 /cm, 2.2 g/dl, 6%, 248.2 × 10 3 /cm respectively. While, thrombin and bleeding time were also prolonged in dose dependent manner which is highly significant ( p ≤ 0.005) as compared to control. Similarly, highly significantly increased ( p ≤ 0.005) in levels of protein C, thrombin antithrombin complex at dose of 500 mg/kg were observed. Whereas, levels of platelets aggregation and fibrinogen were decreased at high doses. Conclusion The obtained findings of hematological and coagulation tests concludes possibly S. cumini possess anticoagulant and antiplatelet effects.