“Inactivation of Mycotoxigenic Molds in Rice (Oryza sativa) and Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) by Irradiation to Mitigate Mycotoxins Production”

Abstract
 
Numerous studies have identified the mycotoxin contamination of rice and liquorice as a significant threat to human health in developing nations. Cereal grains and medicinal  herbs can be highly infected by numerous fungus due to the variety of meteorological variables in this area as well as improper storage conditions, including high temperatures and humidity.Natural contaminants of different agricultural products with Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus parasiticus, and Aspergillus ochraceus, as well as their mycotoxins, create health problems for humans and animals. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of gamma irradiation doses on the growth of A. flavus, A. parasiticus, and A. ochraceus artificially inoculated in rice and liquorice, as well as on the production of their aflatoxins and ochratoxin A (OTA).It was found that irradiation doses of 2.0 and 4.0 KGy greatly reduced mycotoxin-producer molds and 6.0 KGy completely prevented molds growth. Irradiation dose of 4.0 KGy prevented the formation of aflatoxins, while 6.0 KGy prevented OTA production. Finally, we recommended studying the effect of radiation on health and life of experimental animals and then human health before consuming these irradiated foods.