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Toxigenic Aspergillus flavus and aflatoxins in Sri Lankan medicinal plant material

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Abstract

The fungal flora of 6 Asian medicinal plants, Aerva lanata (Linn.) Juss. Alyssicarpus vaginalis D.C., Tribulus terrestris Linn. Adhatoda vasica Nees., Centella asciatica (L.) Urb., Cardiospermum halicacabum Linn. was determined. After surface disinfection Aspergillus spp. were most frequently observed. Aspergillus flavus, isolated from Alyssicarpus vaginalis and Aerva lanata produced aflatoxins in culture. Aflatoxin B1 was also detected in a sample of Aerra lanata at a level of 0.5 μg/g. Plant material destined for medicinal use should be stored carefully prior to its use to prevent growth of naturally occurring toxigenic mold fungi.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Botany, University of Maryland, 20742, College Park, MD, USA

    Krishanthi Abeywickrama & George A. Bean

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  1. Krishanthi Abeywickrama
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  2. George A. Bean
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Abeywickrama, K., Bean, G.A. Toxigenic Aspergillus flavus and aflatoxins in Sri Lankan medicinal plant material. Mycopathologia 113, 187–190 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00436129

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00436129

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