Fungal Load and Mycotoxinogenesis of Some Egyptian Medicinal Plants

Abstract

This investigation was designed to evaluate the fungal load of five randomly selected plant samples. A total of 150 dry samples of Basil, Mint, Marjoram, Chamomile and Fennel were collected from some markets in Egypt. All samples were analyzed among moulds and yeasts, also the samples were analysis for mycotoxins status. Fungi were found in most of the collected samples. The highest count of moulds presents in Mint, Basil, Marjoram, Fennel, and Chamomile in descending order, respectively, while the highest count of yeasts was presented in Chamomile, Mint, Fennel, Basil, and Marjoram , respectively. Aspergillus spp. Fusarium spp., Penicillium spp. Mucor spp. and Humicola spp.were more frequently detected. Total aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, zearalenone, and fumonisins B1 and B2 were determined in all samples.The genus Aspergillus was the most dominant fungal, where it was recovered( 3761 isolates )followed by Fusarium (1023 isolates) while genus of Penicillium was recovered( 687 isolates). These three species were found in 87.42 5% of the samples. Aspergillus . flavus exhibited total aflatoxins of 3220 ppb. The direct use of the medicinal plants may be high risk due to their high contents of many species of moulds.The effect of preparing method of the selected plants to drink was studied. Adding of sugar or honey as sweeters to medicinal plant drinks showed no effect on the fungal load status. No inhibition zones were seen against the investigated fungi.

Multiple Mycotoxin Contamination in Medicinal Plants Frequently Sold in the Free State Province, South Africa Detected Using UPLC-ESI-MS/MS

“…In another study of African traditional herbal medicines sold in South Africa (Tshwane-Pretoria and Cape Town), all 16 samples were not contaminated with aflatoxins [ 17 ]. A study in Italy found that all samples of medicinal plants, aromatic herbs and herbal infusions were not contaminated with aflatoxins [ 29 ].…”

“…Furthermore, the control of mycotoxins is inadequately funded, and many African governments do not give priority to mycotoxin control in medicinal plants [ 18 ]. However, the occurrence of mycotoxins has been reported in South Africa [ 16 , 17 ]; Kenya [ 19 , 20 , 21 ]; Nigeria [ 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 ]; and Egypt [ 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 ].…”