Mixed herbs drugs: inhibitory effect on growth of the endogenous mycoflora and aflatoxin production

Occurrence of aflatoxin B1 in natural products

The media claims for the consumption of natural resource-based food have gradually increased in both developing and developed countries. The interest in the safety of these products is partially due to the possible presence of toxigenic fungi acting as mycotoxin producers, such as aflatoxins produced during the secondary metabolism of Aspergillus flavus, A. parasiticus and A. nomius. Aflatoxins, mainly aflatoxin B₁, are directly associated with liver cancer in human beings. This paper is aimed at evaluating the presence of aflatoxin B₁ in a few vegetable drugs, dried plant extracts and industrialized products traded in 2010 in the city of Belo Horizonte, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The method used for the quantification of aflatoxin B₁ was based on extraction through acetone:water (85:15), immunoaffinity column purification followed by separation and detection in high efficiency liquid chromatography. Under the conditions of analysis, the Limits of Detection and Quantification were 0.6 µg kg^-1 and 1.0 µg kg^-1 respectively. The complete sets of analyses were carried out in duplicate. Aflatoxin B₁ was noticed in a single sample (< 1.0 µg kg^-1). The results revealed low aflatoxin B₁ contamination in the products under analysis. However, it is required to establish a broad monitoring program in order to obtain additional data and check up on the actual extension of contamination.

A comparison of the immunostimulatory effects of the medicinal herbs Echinacea, Ashwagandha and Brahmi

AIM OF THE STUDY

Herbs, as food or medicine, can strengthen the body and increase its resistance to illnesses by acting on various components of the immune system. For example, Echinacea is noted for its ability to enhance immune function, primarily through activation of the innate immune responses. Here, we investigated the potential for two herbs commonly found in India, Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), to enhance immune function and compared their effects to that of Echinacea.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sprague Dawley rats were fed a diet supplemented with 1% (w/w) Echinacea, Ashwagandha, or Brahmi for 4 weeks to examine their effects on immune function.

RESULTS

The Brahmi diet stimulated more secretion of IgA and IgG in the serum compared to Echinacea or Ashwagandha. Whether or not lectin was present in the diet, the production of IgA, IgG and IgM in spleen lymphocytes increased with herbal supplements. The concentrations of IFN-γ and IL-2 treated with LPS and ConA were significantly higher in the dietary herb than in the control. On the contrary, TNF-α production in rats receiving dietary herbal supplements was significantly lower compared to the control animals.

CONCLUSION

Herbal remedies based on Echinacea, Brahmi, or Ashwagandha can enhance immune function by increasing immunoglobulin production. Furthermore, these herbal medicines might regulate antibody production by augmenting both Th1 and Th2 cytokine production.

Contaminants of medicinal herbs and herbal products

Medicinal plants have a long history of use in therapy throughout the world and still make an important part of traditional medicine. Thus, medicinal plants and herbal products must be safe for the patient (consumer). This review addresses biological contaminants (microbes and other organisms) and chemical contaminants (mycotoxins, toxic elements such as heavy metals, and pesticide residues) as major common contaminants of medicinal herbs and herbal products. To prevent and screen for contamination and ensure safety and conformity to quality standards, medicinal herbs and herbal products should be included in appropriate regulatory framework.