The Presence of Aflatoxin B1 and Fungi in Traditional Drugs in Vietnam

Tang Xuan Hai; Cao Ba Loi; Dau Huy Hoan; Tran-Anh Le

doi:10.18502/acta.v60i4.9268

Tang Xuan Hai Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Nghe An Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital, Nghe An, Vietnam
Cao Ba Loi Department of Scientific and Training Management, National Institute of Malariology, Parasitology, and Entomology, Ha Noi, Vietnam
Dau Huy Hoan Department of Nghe An Health, Vinh, Nghe An, Vietnam
Tran-Anh Le Department of Parasitology, Vietnam Military Medical University, Ha Noi, Vietnam

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/acta.v60i4.9268

Keywords: Traditional drug; Mycotoxin; Aﬂatoxin; Fungi; Aspergillus; Vietnam

Abstract

To explore the presence of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and fungi in traditional drugs collected in Vietnam. Materials and Methods: 505 samples of 88 different traditional drugs were obtained from 10 hospitals in Nghe An, a central province of Vietnam. AFB1 contamination was determined by a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) assay. Fungal contaminants were determined according to WHO regulations, and the obtained Aspergillus strains were characterized via morphological and molecular identiﬁcation. Results: 24 samples (4.75% of the total samples) were contaminated with AFB1, and the average concentration was 0.062±0.030 µg/kg (ranging from 0.009 to 0.097 µg/kg). Fungal isolates were detected from 174 samples (34.45%). The genus Aspergillus was predominant (82.76% of the isolates), but Rhizopus, Alternaria, Corynespora, and yeast were also found in a few samples. Among 144 strains of Aspergillus recovered, A. niger (105 strains) was most frequently found, followed by A. tubingensis (31 strains), A. oryzae (4 strains), and A. flavus (4 strains). Conclusion: This study suggests a low risk of aflatoxin B1 exposure to consumers of traditional drugs in Vietnam.