Document Type : Scientific and Research
Authors
1
Departments of Mycology, Animal Health Research Institute, Dokki
2
Departments of Mycology Animal Health Research Institute, Dokki.
3
Departments of Biochemistry Dep., Animal Health Research Institute, Dokki
Abstract
The purpose of the present study is to assess fungi and Aflatoxin content in different spices present in local markets in Egypt and test herbal and chemical materials that have antimycotic antioxidant properties to eliminate or ameliorate these fungi and its toxins in vitro and in vivo. This study compromises three parts. In part I :samples of spices ; black pepper, dry ginger, cumin ,coriander (corundum), red chilly (pepper ) and curcumin were collected randomly (20 of each) from local markets and super markets at Cairo governorate for investigation of fungal contamination and detection of aflatoxin . The results indicated that the most prevalent fungi were belonging to genus Aspergillus which was recovered from all samples of cumin and corundum (coriander) (100 %), black pepper and curcumin samples (90%), dry ginger samples (75%) and red chilly (pepper) samples (70%).Other genera of fungi were also recovered in lower rates of frequency namely Penicillium, Scopulariopsis , Mucor ,Cladosporium ,Candida and Rhizopus species. The fungus of Aspergillus flavus was recovered from samples of cumin and coriander and produced aflatoxins. The maximum levels of toxin were obtained from A. flavus isolated from Cumin (90%) of isolates produced mean level of (4.85±2.35ppb) followed by those isolated from Coriander (corundum) (70%) with the mean level of (2.89±2.21 ppb).The laboratory findings for inhibition of aflatoxinogenic A.flavus (part II) showed that zone of inhibition caused by sorbic and benzoic acids, rosemary and thyme were (12.9 - 28.4, 6.9 -30.6, 16.7 - 21.2 and 3.9 - 27.4 mm , at concentrations of 0.25% and 1.0% ,respectively for A. flavus ).On the other hand ,the in vivo application of laboratory findings in rats using thyme,rosemary,sorbic and benzoic acids to ameliorate aflatoxicosis were undertaken( part III). One hundred rats (150-170 g) were divided into 10 equal groups. Rats of the first group were given healthy commercial pelleted basal diet and kept as a negative control. Rats of groups 2, 4, 6,8and 10 were injected intraperitoneal with a single dose of AFB1 1.5 mg/kg body weight .Then on the second day the diet of rats were supplemented with 5% commercial thyme powder for groups 3 & 4, 2.5 % commercial rosemary powder for groups 5&6, (2 % sorbic acid for groups 7&8) and (2% benzoic acid for groups 9&10).The period of feeding was continued for 4 weeks. The biochemical investigation of sera of the aflatoxicated group 2 showed a significant increase in ALT and no changes of AST, urea, creatinine, TAC,T3 and T4.Rosemary powder,sorbic and benzoic acids exhibited a hepatoprotective effect .Herbal materials improved urea and T3(active form of thyroid hormones) levels.Sorbic and benzoic acids affect negatively TAC and may it correlated with elevation in T4 . Aforementiond results showed that most prevalent fungi were belonging to genus Aspergillus in spices marketed in Egypt. Aspergillus flavus was the most predominant member.Though hepatoprotective effect of antimycotics antioxidants studied, more studies recommended on pure extracts and different doses of thyme and rosemary to exert more benefits.
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