Mycotoxins are toxic compounds produced by fungi that can contaminate food and cause illness in humans and animals. The term was first used in 1961 after an outbreak killed thousands of animals that had eaten contaminated peanut meal. Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites of fungi that act as a chemical defense system. Major mycotoxins include aflatoxins, fumonisins, ochratoxins, patulin, and trichothecenes which are produced by fungi such as Aspergillus, Fusarium, and Penicillium. Mycotoxin poisoning has no cure and can cause death, organ damage, cancer, and birth defects. Prevention through monitoring and controlling fungal growth is important

1. MYCOTOXINS
PREPARED BY
BIBHUTI RANJAN GOGOI
ROLL NO :- 03
B.Pharm 4th year

2. DEFINITION
 Myco: fungus.
 Toxin: naturally-produced poison.
 Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites
of fungi that are recognized as toxic to other life forms.
 Can be heat stable, not destroyed by canning or other
processes.

3. HISTORY
 The term mycotoxin was used for the first time in 1961 in
the aftermath of a veterinary crisis in England, during
which thousands of animals died. The disease was linked to
a peanut meal, incorporated in the diet, contaminated with
a toxin produced by the filamentous fungus Aspergillus
flavus.
 Probably a means of protection from insects,
microorganisms, nematodes, grazing animals and humans.
 “Chemical defense system” of the fungi or mold.

4. Types of mycotoxins
 Aflatoxins
 Fumonisin
 Ochratoxins
 Patulin
 Citrinin
 Trichothecenes
 Zearalenone

6. Aflatoxin
Aflatoxin is the name for a group of toxins (poisonous
chemical compounds) that are produced by two fungi
called Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus.

7. Ochratoxin
 Aspergillus ochraceus and several other species
including Penicillium produce seven structurally
related secondary metabolites called ochratoxin.
 Ochratoxin is found in a large variety of foods
including wheat, corn, soybeans, barley, coffee beans,
meats and cheese. Barley is thought to be the
predominant source.

8. Fumonsins
Fumosins are produced by Fusarium
verticillioides, F. proliferatum, and F. nygamai.

9. Patulin
Patulin is produced by Penicillium clariform, P.
expansum, P. patulum.

11. Mycotoxins can cause
 Death.
 Respiratory problems.
 Reproductive problems.
 Liver, kidney or other organ damage.
 Cancer.
 Bleeding.
 Birth defects.

12. Mycotoxin Treatment
Mycotoxin poisoning is known as mycotoxicosis. There
is no cure for mycotoxicosis. Antibiotics and drugs have
little effect. The best treatment is to stop the exposure to
mycotoxins.

13. CONCLUSION
Mycotoxins toxicology has bought out many adverse
effects in human health and many outbreaks have
occurred all over the world costing many life's. If
carefully observed this toxication can be prevented.
Still many new methods of preventing the toxin can
be found out through research in future.