Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), among other
aflatoxins of the
aflatoxin family, is the most carcinogenic and hazardous
mycotoxin to animals and human beings with very high potency leading to
aflatoxicosis.
Selenium is an essential
trace mineral possessing powerful
antioxidant functions.
Selenium is widely reported as an effective
antioxidant against
aflatoxicosis. By preventing oxidative liver damage, suppressing
pro-apoptotic proteins and improving immune status in AFB1 affected animals;
selenium confers specific protection against AFB1 toxicity. Meticulous supplementation of animal feed by elemental
selenium in the organic and inorganic forms has proven to be effective to ameliorate AFB1 toxicity.
Curcumin is another dietary agent of importance in tackling
aflatoxicosis.
Curcumin is one of the major active ingredients in the tubers of a spice Curcuma longa L., a widely reported
antioxidant, anticarcinogenic agent with reported protective potential against
aflatoxin-mediated liver damage.
Curcumin restricts the aflatoxigenic potential of Aspergillusflavus.
Curcumin inhibits
cytochrome P450 isoenzymes, particularly CYP2A6
isoform; thereby reducing the formation of AFB1-8, 9-epoxide and other toxic metabolites causing
aflatoxicosis. In this review, we have briefly reviewed important
aflatoxicosis symptoms among animals. With the main focus on
curcumin and
selenium, we have reviewed their underlying protective mechanisms in different animals along with their extraction and production methods for feed applications.