Vol. 12, Issue 12 (2023)

Author(s):
Jutimala Phookan, Gompi Padu and Huirem Diana Devi

Abstract:
Mycotoxins have low molecular weight with various chemical structures and bio- activities which can be toxic to plants, animals or other microorganisms. These are fungal metabolites are structurally diverse which also contaminate animal feed, human food etc. After the discovery of aflatoxins in 1960s, the research for mycotoxins in food increased. This led to the detection of over 100 toxic fungi and also about 300 mycotoxins. These mycotoxins have created lot of health hazards to human as well as animals since time immemorial, ergot alkaloids and aflatoxins being the most important of all. India is one such country in which the food products are affected by mycotoxins. Mycotoxins have different utilities viz., these are used as bactericide, weedicide, insecticide, pharmaceuticals etc. Mycotoxins are also used in bio-warfare. Analysis of these mycotoxins is also an important aspect to protect public health. Regulations and control strategies of mycotoxins and their related fungus are being taken up for the betterment of human and animal health. Inspite of all these it is nearly impossible to reduce mycotoxins from food and feed although various the regulatory efforts are being applied. Numerous approaches can be used to reduce the harmful impact of the toxins on agriculture industry as well as on human and animal health. Further utilization of mycotoxins in various fields is also extremely important.