Pharmacokinetic Analyses of Ferulic Acid in Rat Plasma by Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry: A Synergistic Action of an Ancient Herbal Decoction Fo Shou San

Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by fungi in the field or during storage; these fungi are mainly saprophytic molds growing on foodstuffs or animal feeds. These molds produce chemical compounds of low molecular weight that are not detected by antigens and hence are insidious poisons with no obvious symptoms. Since 1960, mycotoxins have been considered responsible for diseases and death in domestic animals and humans. Mycotoxicoses, the diseases caused by mycotoxins, have been responsible for major epidemics in humans and domestic animals since agriculture was developed. Each of these diseases is caused by specific molds that produce one or more potent toxins, usually in one specific type of commodity or feed. Among the main mycotoxigenic fungi are the genera Aspergillus spp., Penicillium spp. and Fusarium spp.