|
|
FUNGAL LOAD AND MYCOTOXINOGENESIS OF SOME EGYPTIAN MEDICINAL PLANTS
|
|
Abstract: 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.
Keywords: Fungal load; medicinal plants; mycotoxins; Egypt.
|
| Publication year |
2011
|
| Pages |
217- 228
|
| Organization Name |
|
| Author(s) from ARC |
|
| Publication Type |
Researsh & Applied Activities
|