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Occurrence of toxigenic fungi in ochratoxin A contaminated liquorice root

A J Chen1, L F Huang, L Z Wang

  • 1Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100193, China.

Food Additives & Contaminants. Part A, Chemistry, Analysis, Control, Exposure & Risk Assessment
|July 28, 2011
PubMed

Insights

This study identified fungi in ochratoxin A (OTA)-contaminated liquorice root, finding Penicillium polonicum to be a novel OTA producer. This contamination poses a significant health risk, requiring immediate attention.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Food Safety
  • Natural Product Chemistry

Background:

  • Mouldy liquorice root is a source of ochratoxin A (OTA), a mycotoxin with potential health implications.
  • Previous studies have identified various fungi capable of producing OTA, but the fungal profile in Chinese liquorice root and its OTA-producing potential remain underexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate fungal species associated with OTA-contaminated liquorice root in China.
  • To determine the OTA-producing capabilities of isolated fungal strains.
  • To identify novel OTA-producing fungi in medicinal plant materials.

Main Methods:

  • Collection of mouldy liquorice root samples from herbal markets in China.
  • Isolation and identification of fungal species using standard mycological techniques.
  • Quantification of OTA production by representative fungal isolates using Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry/Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).

Main Results:

  • Sixteen fungal species from genera including Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Eurotium were isolated.
  • Penicillium polonicum was the predominant species in highly OTA-contaminated samples.
  • All tested Penicillium polonicum isolates and one P. chrysogenum isolate demonstrated ochratoxigenic potential, producing OTA at levels ranging from 6.94 to 217.37 ng/g.

Conclusions:

  • This study reports Penicillium polonicum as a previously unrecognized OTA-producing fungus.
  • OTA contamination in liquorice root, driven by fungi like P. polonicum, presents a substantial public health concern.
  • Urgent measures are needed to address OTA contamination in liquorice root to ensure consumer safety.

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