Aflatoxin Inactivation Using Aqueous Extract of Ajowan (Trachyspermum ammi) Seeds

Abstract

: Aqueous extract of ajowan seeds was found to contain an aflatoxin inactivation factor (IF). Thin layer chromatography analysis of the toxins after treatment with IF showed relative reduction of aflatoxin G1 > G2 > B1 > B2. Quantification of toxin using a fluorotoxin meter as well as the Enzyme Linked Immuno s orb ent Assay (ELISA) confirmed these findings. An approximate 80% reduction in total aflatoxin content over the controls was observed. This observed phenomenon of reduction in total toxin was referred to as toxin inactivation. Temperature was found to influence the rate of toxin inactivation. At 45 °C, it was found to be rapid during the initial 5 h and slowed later. The IF was found to retain considerable activity even after boiling and autoclaving, indicating partial heat stability. The activity was lost below pH 4.0. Above pH 4.0, it increased gradually, reaching the maximum at pH 10.0. IF was found to be stable to gamma irradiation. Toxin decontamination in spiked corn samples could be achieved using IF. This study emphasizes the potential of ajowan IF in aflatoxin removal from contaminated food commodities. However, the biological toxicity, if any, of the IF inactivated aflatoxins needs to be confirmed, and the work in this direction is in progress.

Inhibition of Aspergillus flavus growth and detoxification of Aflatoxin B1 by the medicinal plant leaf extract- Cymbopogon citratus

“…Several edible botanical extracts have been reported to have antifungal activity [5,6]. The essential oils extracted from various plants have been shown to possess significant antifungal properties [7,8]. The inhibitory effects of plant extracts on aflatoxin synthesis have also been examined [9].…”

Nutraceutical enriched Indian traditional chikki

“…Ajwain has been used in indigenous medicines for the treatment of diarrhea, dysentery, cholera, a tonic dyspepsia, flatulence, indigestion etc. The aqueous portion left after the separation of essential oil from ajwain is known as ovum-water (ajwain water) in India, used against flatulence and in gripe water preparation for children (Hajare et al 2005) and described having anti hermitic, carminative, laxative, diuretic, flatulence preventive and dyspepsia preventive properties of ajwain (Sharangi and Datta 2005).…”

The Inhibitory Effect of Ajowan Essential Oil on Bacterial Growth

“…It is has also been used indigestion and gas relief in Middle East countries like Iran and Egypt. People in these countries, keep Ajwain powder in a thin cloth and smell it frequently, to decreases the pain, in the acute phase of common cold or migraine (2,3). Ajowan is delicious with green beans and root vegetables.…”

“…These seeds are used in Asian cooking, especially in India and for baking biscuits, breads and in bean dishes (1,2). Like caraway, Ajowan seeds are rich in fiber, minerals, vitamins and anti-oxidants (1).…”

“…Ajowan essential oil (AEO) is also used in toothpaste and perfumery. The AEO is an almost colorless to brownish liquid with a characteristic odor and a sharp hot taste (1)(2)(3). Ajwain leaves can be crushed and used for skin infections.…”