Effect of crude honey on stability of aflatoxins and growth of <i>Aspergillus flavus</i>.

Abstract

Because aflatoxin contamination is unavoidable, numerous strategies for their detoxification have been proposed. sample of natural honey was studied for their detoxification on aflatoxin (B1, B2) and their antimicrobial activities on Aspergillus flavus compared with H2O2 .Dilutions of honey ranging from 12,14,16,18 and 20% were tested in vitro against Aspergillus flavus by paper disc technique and its effects on aflatoxin B1, B2 residues at various periods by the AOAC for extraction, TLC chromatography and HPLC chromatography. Results showed the following indication:- (1) The dilutions of honey showed various antimicrobial effects (highly and moderative sensitive) on Aspergillus flavus. (2) The initial concentration of aflatoxin B1 in all treatments (sample treated with 18%honey and sample treated with 18% H2O2 ) were 125 ppm. These amounts gradually decreased until 18.83 and 11.62 ppm after 6 days of treatment, indicating 84.94 and 90.70 % from the initial concentration, respectively. (3) The initial concentration of aflatoxin B2 in all treatments (sample treated with 18%honey and sample treated with 18% H2O2) were 125 ppm. These amounts gradually decreased until 25.08 and 19.66 ppm after 6 days of treatment, indicating 79.94 and 84.27 % from the initial concentration, respectively. (4) The residues of aflatoxin B1 and B2 in sample treated with 18% honey were greatly decreased compared to that in control sample. Also, the amount of aflatoxin B1 and B2 in sample treated with 18% H2O2 were highly decreased than those of control sample. (5) Honey apparently could inhibit growth of Aspergillus flavus and reduction of aflatoxin B1 and B2content levels less than the maximum residue limits (20ppm).

New Egyptian Journal of Microbiology Vol. 17 (2) 2007: pp. 182-190