AI Article Synopsis
- The increasing popularity of aromatic and medicinal herbs in Argentina has raised concerns from health authorities regarding their quality and safety, particularly regarding fungal and aflatoxin contamination.
- In a study of 81 samples of herbal products, fungal counts were within safe international limits, but the predominant strains were found to be xerophilic Aspergillus species, with A. flavus detected across all sample categories.
- Nearly half (47%) of the A. flavus isolates produced aflatoxins B1 and B2, and 4.7% of raw material samples showed natural contamination with these harmful toxins, emphasizing the need for regulation due to their carcinogenic potential.
Article Abstract
Since the consumption of aromatic and medicinal herbs has been increasing in the last years, the Argentinian Health Authorities are concerned to control the quality and security of them. Fungal and aflatoxin contamination are two parameters to be taken into account, to ensure the harmlessness of the phytomedicinal products. In 81 different samples, grouped in end products (EP), raw material (RM) and at harvest (SH), fungal flora (enumeration and identification) as well as naturalAspergillus flavus and aflatoxin occurrence were investigated. In all samples fungal counts fulfilled the international general recommendation limits (maximum 10(5) cfu/g). Predominant flora was made up by xerophilic species ofAspergillus(100%), byPeniciIlium (< 50%) and in less percentage byFusarium (5.6%). Among the Aspergilli, A.flavus was present in all the three groups of samples. Using a TLC method, 47% of A. flavus isolates were toxinogenic, producing aflatoxin B1 and B2. In herbs, 4.7% of RM samples were naturally contaminated with aflatoxins B1 and B2. Considering the carcinogenic activity of aflatoxins it is essential to regulate them in the raw material (vegetal drug).
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