Naturally occurring toxic secondary metabolites produced by fungi grow on raw materials (plants, grains) in the field or during storage of raw materials and feed. PRODUCTION - mainly related to climatic conditions such as temperature and humidity.

1. MYCOTOXINS
Dr Satish S
Associate Professor
Srinivas College Of Pharmacy,
Mangalore
It is difficult to analyse mycotoxins, they are not visible and have no odor.

2. MYCOTOXINS
Naturally occurring toxic secondary metabolites
produced by fungi grow on raw materials (plants, grains)
in the field or during storage of raw materials and feed.
PRODUCTION - mainly related to climatic conditions
such as temperature and humidity.
 Very stable and resistant to different storage ,
processing conditions.

3. MYCOTOXIN EXPOSURE
Main way of exposure to mycotoxins in homes by
breathing the mycotoxins.
Normally, very small amount of mycotoxins present in
air.
However, when there is toxic mold in buildings, there
is a much greater amount of mycotoxins in the air. This
can lead to health problems.
-Damage the lungs , create breathing problems.

4. MYCOTOXIN SYMPTOMS
First Symptoms are Skin Irritations.
Mycotoxin poisoning is accompanied by symptoms
ranging from (skin rash- compromised immune )
 skin rash,
 headache,
 depression,
 tachycardia,
 agitation,
 itchy eyes,
 shortness of breath,
 lethargy, and nausea, to a compromised immune
system and therefore a predisposition for infections
and colds.

5. The main types of long-term symptoms are
1. Breathing problems,
2. Mental problems and
3. Damage to internal organs.
can also suppress the immune system.

6. Long period: example
Aflatoxins -poisonous carcinogens, produced by certain
molds which grow in soil, decaying vegetation, hay &
grains
Aflatoxin poisoning can be by taking in small amounts at
a time, but over a long period.
This might happen if a person's diet has a small amount
of aflatoxins, for example. When this happens it can cause:
1.Growth and development impairment
2.Liver cancer due to DNA mutation

7. EXPOSER
There are two main ways exposer to aflatoxins.
1. high amount of aflatoxins in a very short time.
This can cause:
1. Liver damage
2. Liver cancer
3. Mental impairment
4. Abdominal Pain
5. Vomiting
6. Convulsions
7. Edema
8. Pulmonary Edema
9. Hemorrhaging
10. Disruption of food digestion, absorption or metabolism
11. Coma
12. Death

8. PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF MYCOTOXINS
In Stored Grains And Seeds
1. Dry the grain
2. Avoid grain damage
3. Ensure proper storage conditions

9. MYCOTOXIN TREATMENT
Mycotoxin poisoning is known as mycotoxicosis.
Removing Mycotoxins
Mycotoxins and toxic mold in home can be removed from
professional mold removal service team.
HEPA filtered vacuums do not remove mycotoxins.
Activated carbon filters might be able to remove some
mycotoxins.

10. TREATMENT
ANTIFUNGALS DOES NOT RESPOND
Antifungal drugs or natural antifungal agents can be used to
treat direct fungal infections (when the fungus itself is growing
within the body), treatment for mold exposure is more difficult
and does not respond to antifungals since the mycotoxins are
typically present without the presence of the fungus itself.

11. 1. Avoidance and Total Load Reduction
2. Glutathione: endogenously produced
tripeptide (glycine, cysteine, and glutamate)
Its reduced state functions in several enzyme
systems in the body to assist in the detoxification of
fat-soluble compounds and as an antioxidant,
quenching free radicals

12. 3. Sequestering Agents
Sequestering agents refer to nonabsorbable materials capable of
binding toxins in the gastrointestinal tract, thus reducing
enterohepatic recirculation and ultimately the body burden of
toxins.
Several agents have shown specific efficacy in lowering
mycotoxin and endotoxin levels eg., cholestyramine, activated
carbons,

13. 4. Antioxidants and Nutritional Agents
Addition to glutathione, additional antioxidants and vitamins
can be helpful in correcting nutritional deficiencies essential
for optimal detoxification and recovery and counteract effects
of cellular damage caused by oxidative stress and
mycotoxins..
5. Probiotics and Dietary Interventions
Probiotics and various dietary interventions have been studied
for their effects on modulating effects of toxins including
mycotoxins.

14. 6. Sauna, Exercise, Weight Reduction
Sauna and sweat induction have been used safely in many
cultures throughout history and have long been studied as a
means of reducing the body burden of toxins, have the
advantage of potentially inducing sweating at a lower body
temperature.