Aflatoxin tests in herbal products and its quantification: Latest updates

Area of Science:

• Food Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Mycology

Background:

• Aflatoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by Aspergillus fungi, posing a significant health risk.
• Herbal medicines can be contaminated with aflatoxins, a well-documented issue requiring reliable detection methods.
• Complex matrices like herbs necessitate advanced sample preparation and sensitive analytical techniques for aflatoxin analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the global occurrence of aflatoxin contamination in herbal products.
• To review key breakthroughs in sample preparation techniques for aflatoxin detection.
• To assess the importance of analytical technology in ensuring the safety of herbal medicines.

Main Methods:

• Systematic screening of published studies to determine aflatoxin contamination levels.
• Review of recent developments in screening assays: lateral flow immunoassays, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, aptamer-based lateral flow assays, and cytometric bead arrays.
• Evaluation of traditional chromatographic techniques for aflatoxin qualification and quantitation.

Main Results:

• Aflatoxin contamination was investigated in herbal products from Malaysia, Indonesia, Kenya, Brazil, Nigeria, Thailand, South Africa, and Morocco.
• The review covers various analytical methods, from rapid screening assays to precise chromatographic techniques.
• Improper drying or storage of medicinal herbs can lead to aflatoxin contamination in final herbal products.

Conclusions:

• Accurate detection of aflatoxins in herbal products is crucial for public health.
• Advancements in sample preparation and analytical technologies are vital for reliable aflatoxin testing.
• Ensuring proper handling and storage of herbal ingredients can mitigate aflatoxin contamination risks.