Contamination of some common medicinal plant samples and spices by fungi and their mycotoxins

A total of 84 medicinal plant samples and spices were examined for the contamination of molds and mycotoxins. Ten fungal genera of different taxonomic groups were detected. Aspergillus flavus, A. parasiticus, A. niger, Fusarium oxysporum, and Penicillium viridicatum occurred most often on the medicinal plant samples. Direct determination of mycotoxins in medicinal plant samples revealed aflatoxin B 1 in 17 samples at an average of from 10 to 160 μgkg, ochratoxin-A in 3 samples at an average of from 20 to 80 μgkg, and no detection of penicillic acid, zearalenone, or T-toxin. Aspergillus flavus, A. parasiticus, and A. oryzae were aflatoxin-producers, whereas, A. ochraceus, P. viridicatum, and P. variable were ochratoxin-A producers. In addition P. viridicatum, P. chrysogenum, and P. commune were penicillic acid-producers. The molds produced high concentrations of mycotoxins in synthetic medium and low to zero concentrations in the medicinal plants.