Pleurotus eryngii Culture Filtrate and Aqueous Extracts Alleviate Aflatoxin B1 Synthesis

Author: mycolabadmin
10/19/2025
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Summary

This research demonstrates that extracts from oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus eryngii) can effectively prevent the production of aflatoxin B1, a highly toxic and cancer-causing substance produced by certain molds that contaminate crops like corn and wheat. The mushroom extracts work by inhibiting the toxin production by up to 94%, offering a natural, environmentally-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides. The study suggests that compounds in mushrooms, including special sugars and enzymes, may help protect food supplies from this dangerous contamination, which is becoming increasingly important as climate change creates more favorable conditions for mold growth.

Background

Aflatoxins, particularly aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) produced by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, are major mycotoxin contaminants in food and feed with severe health risks including carcinogenicity and hepatotoxicity. Climate change is increasing the frequency and concentration of mycotoxins in crops, and current control methods using antifungals and synthetic chemicals are ineffective and harmful. Recent research indicates that mushroom metabolites, particularly polysaccharides from Pleurotus species, show promise in inhibiting aflatoxin synthesis.

Objective

This study evaluates the effects of mycelial culture filtrates and aqueous extracts from two Tunisian varieties of Pleurotus eryngii (var. elaeoselini and var. ferulae) on the growth and aflatoxin B1 production of Aspergillus flavus. The research aims to develop greener, natural solutions for controlling aflatoxin contamination in food and feed.

Results

Pleurotus eryngii var. ferulae culture filtrate exhibited the highest aflatoxin B1 inhibition at 94.56% for both 0.5% and 1% concentrations. Pleurotus eryngii var. elaeoselini aqueous extract showed 48.06% growth inhibition on day 3 at 0.5% concentration. The culture filtrates demonstrated significant antioxidant activity with low IC50 values, particularly PEEl culture filtrate (IC50 = 0.54 mg/mL).

Conclusion

Pleurotus eryngii culture filtrates and aqueous extracts effectively inhibit aflatoxin B1 synthesis by Aspergillus flavus, representing a promising natural alternative to synthetic antifungal approaches. The antifungal activity appears related to the presence of exopolysaccharides, degradative enzymes (laccases and peroxidases), and antioxidant compounds. Further research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms of action and develop these extracts as sustainable, environmentally-friendly anti-aflatoxin compounds.

Published in:Food Science & Nutrition,
Study Type:In vitro experimental study,
Source: 10.1002/fsn3.70739; PMID: 41122219