# Pleurotus eryngii Culture Filtrate and Aqueous Extracts Alleviate Aflatoxin B1 Synthesis

## TL;DR

This paper investigates how extracts from the mushroom Pleurotus eryngii can inhibit aflatoxin B1 production, a dangerous mycotoxin, offering a natural alternative to synthetic chemicals.

## Contribution

The study introduces a novel natural method using Pleurotus eryngii extracts to inhibit aflatoxin synthesis, offering a greener alternative to current antifungal methods.

## Key findings

- Pleurotus eryngii var. ferulae culture filtrate at 0.5% and 1% concentration inhibited aflatoxin synthesis by up to 94%.
- Pleurotus eryngii var. elaeoselini aqueous extract showed 48.06% inhibition of aflatoxin B1 at 0.5% concentration.
- The highest antioxidant activity was observed in Pleurotus eryngii var. elaeoselini culture filtrate and var. ferulae aqueous extract.

## Abstract

Mycotoxins in food and feed are a significant health risk, even more so than pesticides and synthetic waste. These toxic secondary metabolites are produced by various fungal species, particularly after fungal colonization of crops. Aflatoxins produced mainly by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus are among the most concerning mycotoxins. These fungi can colonize a range of crops, including maize and wheat, and produce aflatoxins both in the field and during post‐harvest. Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is the most toxic and carcinogenic, with demonstrated genotoxic, immunosuppressive, teratogenic, and hepatotoxic effects. Aflatoxins are stable in food and feed and can persist in the food chain, potentially appearing in milk as AFM1. Due to their toxicity, aflatoxins are strictly regulated globally, including in the European Union under Commission Regulation 2023/915. Climate change is increasing the frequency and concentration of mycotoxins in crops. The current control methods, including antifungals and synthetic chemicals, are ineffective and harmful, leading to the need for “greener” solutions. Recent research suggests that mushroom metabolites, particularly polysaccharides from species like Pleurotus eryngii, have potential in inhibiting aflatoxin synthesis. This study explores the effects of mycelial culture filtrates and aqueous extracts from two varieties of Tunisian Pleurotus eryngii on the growth and aflatoxin production of Aspergillus flavus.

Pleurotus eryngii culture filtrate and aqueous extract could be a potent “greener” solution against Aflatoxin synthesis. The highest inhibition, 48.06%, is on the third day of incubation with the concentration of 0.5% of Pleurotus eryngii var. elaeoselini aqueous extract. Pleurotus eryngii var. ferulae culture filtrate at the concentrations of 0.5% and 1% exhibits the highest inhibition of aflatoxin synthesis, with 94%. Pleurotus eryngii var. elaeoselini culture filtrate and Pleurotus eryngii var. ferulae aqueous extract have the highest antioxidant activity.