@article {1435, title = {Aflatoxin: A Prevalent Toxin in the Demesne of Existence}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Research}, volume = {17}, year = {2025}, month = {June 2025}, pages = {740-754}, type = {Review Article}, chapter = {740}, abstract = {

Aflatoxin, a mycotoxin origin from food-borne microbes, poses a significant and remarkable risk to the safety and integrity of food. Mycotoxin-producing fungi can infect goods intended for human and animal consumption, impacting both populations. Among mycotoxins, aflatoxin B1 harms many living organisms, including microorganisms, plants, laboratories, pet animals, and cultured cells. Aflatoxins are incredibly liposoluble and easily absorbed from the exposure site, typically entering the bloodstream through the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems. In humans and animals, the reactive form of aflatoxin, AFB1, is metabolized through cytochrome P450 microsomal enzymes into aflatoxins-8,9-epoxide, which then binds with DNA and albumins present in blood serum, forming an active-adducts that damage DNA. Aflatoxins are the well-researched class of mycotoxins, with clear correlations to carcinogenic, hepatotoxic, mutagenic, and teratogenic effects. Therefore, aflatoxin detection is crucial for maintaining food safety and public health, as mycotoxins can withstand high temperatures during storage and cooking. Several analytical and chemical methods can detect, identify, and control aflatoxin contamination with precision, contributing to food safety and public health. Further worldwide research is crucial to deepen our understanding of toxic pollutants, toxicity patterns, regulatory mechanisms, and decontamination strategies, as preventing aflatoxin contamination needs adequate funding and collaboration.

}, keywords = {Aflatoxins, Carcinogenic, Food-borne microbes, Hepatotoxic, Mutagenic and Teratogenic, Mycotoxins}, doi = {10.5530/pres.20252183}, author = {Aishik Banerjee and Arup Ghosh and Amartya Nandi and Deyasini Saha and Santosh Kumar Sahoo and Amit Kundu and Revu Baby Nalanda and Naresh Panigrahi and Partha Roy and Sumanta Mondal} } @article {1196, title = {Calotropin: Natural Phytomolecules for Cutting-edge Features}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Research}, volume = {16}, year = {2023}, month = {December 2023}, pages = {19-25}, type = {Review Article}, chapter = {19}, abstract = {

Phytochemical is a collective term for plant chemicals with varied structure and function. The most common sources of phytochemicals are fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds, and other plant foods. Calotropin is a pharmacologically active compound isolated from milkweed plants like Calotropis procera, Calotropis gigantea, and Asclepias curassavica that belong to the Asclepiadaceae family which is used for medicinal purposes in many Asian countries. Calotropin is identified as a highly potent cardenolide that has a similar chemical structure to cardiac glycosides (such as digoxin and digitoxin). Among cardenolides, calotropin is identified as the most promising agent. Calotropin has cytotoxic and anti-tumor impacts, with cancers of the breast, colon, lung, and leukemia malignancies exhibiting the most significant effects. The effects of calotropin on cancer have been extensively studied in preclinical pharmacological studies in vitro using cancer cell lines and in vivo in experimental animal models that have targeted antitumor mechanisms and anticancer signaling pathways. During ancient times, calotropin was utilized in various techniques. A macerated bark extract is frequently utilized for de-hearing hides and tanning. Calotropin is a particularly effective abortifacient or interceptive agent in females. Cardenolide calotropin is poisonous. This critique focused on its chemistry and therapeutic activity in various cancer cells.

}, keywords = {Asclepias curassavica, Calotropin, Calotropis gigantea, Calotropis procera, Cardenolide.}, doi = {10.5530/pres.16.1.3}, author = {Sourav Nag and Reshmi Paul and Sumanta Mondal and Naresh Panigrahi and Partha Roy} }