Cytotoxic Effects of Aflatoxin B1 Standard in Relation to Aflatoxin Extracts

Aflatoxins [AFs] are a group of mycotoxins produced as secondary metabolites notably by Aspergilliusflavus and A. parasiticus. Otherspecies such as A.nomius, A. bombycis, A. ochraceoroseus, A. pseudotamarii, A.tamarii, and A. australis are also recognized producers. 

There are four main types of aflatoxins; aflatoxin B1(AFB1), AFB2, AFG1 and AFG2, owing to their colour [blue and green, denoted by the letters] and retardation factor (RF) when viewed under UV light. The most important of these four toxins in terms ofprevalence and abundance is AFB1. Aflatoxin B1 is also the most potent of all AFs and has been classified as a Class 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, IARC. This natural toxin is commonly reported to induce various health effects in humans and animal species; which could be hepatotoxic, mutagenic, genotoxic or carcinogenic. Chronic exposure to low levels of AF may well be a risk factor involved in the etiology of hepatocellular carcinoma and immune system suppression/dysfunction.