Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a mycotoxin that impairs the function of various vital organs of the body including testes. Prunin (PRU) is a plant derived flavonoid with potential pharmacological properties. The current research was performed to assess the potential role of PRU to counter AFB1-induced testicular toxicity in male albino rats. Forty-eight male rats (Weight: 230-250 g; Age: 8-10 week) were divided into four equal groups, including control, AFB1 (50 μg/kg) group, AFB1 + PRU (50 μg/kg + 20 mg/kg) co-treated group, and only PRU (20 mg/kg) group. The groups were treated with their respective doses for 56 days and then the rats were euthanized, samples were collected and biochemical as well as histopathological analyses were performed. The outcomes of our research showed that AFB1 upsurged the expressions of myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MyD88), toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), TNF receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6), and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB). Moreover, AFB1 reduced the activities of antioxidant enzymes i.e., HO-1, GSR, GPx, CAT, SOD, while elevating ROS, MDA and inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, COX-2 and IL-6) levels. AFB1 intoxicated group showed notable reduction in the HOS coiled tail sperms and spermatogenic indices i.e., sperm motility, count and viability. Furthermore, AFB1 increased the structural defects in mid-piece, head and tail of sperms and lowered the levels of testosterone. AFB1 also induced histological injuries in the testicles of rats. Additionally, AFB1 lowered the expressions of Bcl-2 and steroidogenic enzymes and increased the expressions of Caspase-3 and Bax. However, PRU supplementation markedly recovered the testicular tissues from AFB1-induced injuries. Our findings proposed that PRU exhibits the protective effects against AFB1-instigated testicular toxicity due to its oxidative stress mitigating and TLR4/NF-κB pathway modulating properties.

Anthelmintic resistance in livestock is an escalating global concern, as synthetic anthelmintics tend to lose their efficacy within 2-10 years of their routine usage. This rapid development of resistance results in significant economic losses and threatens the sustainability of livestock production systems. Gastrointestinal (GI) parasitism, a primary health challenge in ruminants, significantly impairs productivity, fertility, and overall animal welfare. Environmental factors such as high humidity, temperature fluctuations, and poor management practices further predispose animals to certain parasitic infections. In recent years, the search for alternative solutions has led to a growing interest in plant-derived anthelmintics. These botanical compounds, rich in bioactive phytochemicals, offer a promising and eco-friendly approach to controlling parasites by targeting their metabolism, reproduction, and structural integrity. Unlike synthetic drugs, herbal anthelmintics are often associated with fewer side effects, reduced toxicity, and a lower risk of developing possible resistance. Several medicinal plants, such as Azadirachta indica, Allium sativum, Artemisia absinthium, and Fumaria parviflora, have demonstrated potent anthelmintic properties in both in vitro and in vivo studies. Furthermore, synergistic effects among multiple phytochemicals can enhance efficacy and broaden the spectrum of activity against diverse helminths. This review highlights the efficacy, mechanisms of action, and practical applications of herbal remedies in controlling parasitic infections in ruminants. Emphasizing the integration of natural remedies into sustainable livestock health programs, this approach holds great potential to reduce reliance on synthetic drugs while improving animal health, productivity, and farm profitability.

Animal brucellosis is a contagious and zoonotic disease prevalent in many countries particularly in developing nations where unhygienic practices are more common. It is caused by an intracellular bacterium; hence the incubation period is prolonged. Most animals show clinical symptoms in last trimester which leads to economic losses. Trade restrictions are another problem for the endemic regions. In terms of public health, carrier animals are the source of the diseases either through consumption of animal products (milk, meat etc.) and also through direct contact with animals. The clinical diseases can be diagnosed through various methods including culture, serology, ELISAs, PCR, qPCR etc. However, the sub-clinical cases are difficult to diagnose and remains a threat to other animals and humans. So in this article the literature has been thoroughly reviewed regarding inflammatory markers that have potential to be used as diagnostic tools in carrier/sub-clinical cases. Among these TNF-α, Interleukins, IFN-γ have been reported to be most widely used markers. Keywords:Brucellosis, Animal, Markers, TNF-α, Interleukins

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) contamination of poultry feed impairs growth, immunity, and organ function, causing substantial economic losses. This study evaluated the protective efficacy of a multimodal, water-soluble antioxidant formulation (HI-RESIST®) against AFB1-induced toxicosis in broiler chickens. A total of 240 one-day-old Indian River broilers were randomized into six groups (n = 40): control, AFB1 (150 µg/kg feed), HI-RESIST® 1 (1 mL/L water), HI-RESIST® 2 (2 mL/L), AFB1 + HI-RESIST® 1, and AFB1 + HI-RESIST® 2. Treatments continued for 35 days. Outcome measures included body weight and feed intake, mortality, relative weights of thymus, bursa, liver, and kidney, innate (carbon-clearance assay) and cell-mediated (avian tuberculin) immune responses, humoral responses (SRBC, HI titers to Newcastle disease virus and H9 avian influenza), hematology (TEC, TLC, PCV, Hb), and serum biochemistry (ALT, AST, GGT, LDH, IL-33, BUN, creatinine, total protein, albumin, globulin), together with gross and histopathology of thymus, bursa, liver, and kidney. Dietary AFB1 produced the expected picture of aflatoxicosis: reduced feed intake and body weight gain, increased mortality, lymphoid organ involution, suppressed phagocytic and lymphoproliferative responses, lower antibody titers, anemia and elevated hepatic/renal biomarkers, and characteristic hepatic and renal histopathology (p < 0.05). HI-RESIST® supplementation ameliorated these effects in a dose-dependent manner; the 2 mL/L dose restored performance, immune parameters, hematobiochemical indices, and tissue morphology toward control values more effectively than 1 mL/L (statistically significant differences versus AFB1; p < 0.05). HI-RESIST® alone showed no adverse effects and, in some endpoints, enhanced immune and growth measures relative to control. In conclusion, HI-RESIST® administered in drinking water (particularly at 2 mL/L) substantially attenuated AFB1-induced immunotoxicity, hepatonephrotoxicity, and growth depression in broilers. These findings support the potential use of multimodal antioxidant supplementation as a practical strategy to mitigate aflatoxicosis in poultry; field validation and mechanistic studies are recommended.

RNA modifications play crucial roles in immune system development and function, with dynamic changes essential for diverse cellular processes. Innovative profiling technologies are invaluable for understanding the significance of these modifications in immune cells, both in healthy and diseased states. This review explores the utility of such technologies in uncovering the functions of RNA modifications and their impact on immune responses. Additionally, it delves into the mechanisms through which aberrant RNA modifications influence the tumor microenvironments immune milieu. Despite significant progress, several outstanding research questions remain, highlighting the need for further investigation into the molecular mechanisms underlying RNA modification's effects on immune function in various contexts.

Mycotoxins are the secondary metabolites of certain toxigenic fungi that have deleterious effects upon the health of humans, animals, and poultry. More than 300 chemically different mycotoxins have been identified to date, among which the most important are aflatoxins, ochratoxins, fumonisins, trichothecenes, and patulins. Approximately 25% of global food crops are significantly affected by mycotoxins every year. Animals become exposed to the adverse effects of mycotoxins when fed mycotoxin-contaminated feed, and animal byproducts containing mycotoxin residues become a constant source of exposure to the human population. Once mycotoxins enter the food chain, their complete removal is inevitable; therefore, different control strategies are being adopted to minimize the adverse effects associated with them. This review encompasses various control strategies adapted to minimize mycotoxicosis.

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by toxigenic fungi, primarily on cereal crops. Among them, aflatoxins B1 (AFB1) is the most dangerous, with carcinogenic, toxigenic and mutagenic effects that pose serious risk to birds and humans. Previously, various control strategies have been used to control aflatoxicosis but there is need to use common alternative strategies to reduce the impact of aflatoxicosis. Therefore, the present study has been planned to check the binding efficiency of different binders such as chitosan, glucomannan and bentonite in nanomaterials and nanocomposites form in in-vitro medium to aid in adsorption of aflatoxins. Initially, the chitosan nanoparticles (CS-NP) and chitosan based nanocomposites, including glucomannan-loaded (GM-CSNP) and bentonite-loaded (BN-CSNP) were prepared and characterized for their morphology using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), zeta sizing, poly dispersity index (PDI), zeta potential and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). An in-vitro gastrointestinal model for poultry was designed to assess the efficacy of three adsorbents (CS-NP, GM-CSNP and BN-CSNP) against AFB1. The model simulated two distinct pH conditions: the gizzard and proventriculus (pH 3.3) and the small intestine (pH 6.6). These adsorbents were tested at three different doses (10, 15 and 20 mg) for 100 ppb AFB1. Similarly, for 200 ppb AFB1 two concentrations of adsorbents 25 and 30 mg were used. Results of in-vitro experiments showed that all three nanomaterials (CS-NP, GM-CSNP and BN-CSNP) have binding with the AFB1. The highest binding of each binder in nanoforms was noted at pH 6.6. Maximum binding up to 98 % of each nanomaterial was observed at dose rate of 30 mg. Among all the candidate binders BN-CSNP revealed highest binding with AFB1 followed by GM-CSNP and BN-CSNP. This study introduce an innovative nano approach, demonstrating how chitosan and its hybrid nanocomposites can enhance aflatoxins detoxification efficiency through improved binding affinity and stability in gastrointestinal medium.

Objective: The current study was carried out to investigate the toxico-pathological and teratogenic effects of in-ovo administration of fungal-derived extracts of Ochratoxin (OT) and Aflatoxin (AF) and Bacillus cereus isolated from poultry feeds. Materials and Methods: Fertilized chicken eggs were divided into seven groups: control, sham control (normal saline), OT (600 ppb), AF (400 ppb), OT+AF (600 + 400 ppb), B. cereus (1 × 10⁸ CFU), and OT + AF + B. cereus (600 + 400 ppb + 1×10⁸ CFU). The extracts of each fungus and B. cereus were injected through the Chorioallantoic membrane route into 9-day-old embryos (216 h). The study evaluated embryonic mortality, hatchability, body weight, relative organ weights, and gross lesions. Morphometric alterations, including crown-to-rump, shank, head, and limb lengths, were measured. Results: Variable degrees of mortality and reduced hatchability were observed across treatment groups. Embryonic mortality was highest in combination groups F and G at 24 and 96 h, whereas the OT group showed the highest mortality at 48 and 72 h. Body weights and all morphometric parameters decreased significantly in the treated groups compared to the control groups. Teratogenic effects included curling, dwarfism, hemorrhages, stunted growth, feather loss, anophthalmia, malformed bills, twisted necks, abdominal hernias, and malformed fingers and limb buds. Conclusion: These findings suggest that inoculation of OT, AF, and B. cereus, individually or in combination, exerts severe teratogenic and embryotoxic effects, resulting in high embryonic mortality and developmental malformations.

Despite recent breakthroughs in diagnosis and treatment, cancer remains a worldwide health challenge with high mortality. Autophagy plays a major role in the progression and development. Starving cancer cells obtain nutrients through the upregulation of autophagy. Several compounds derived from natural sources, including animals, plants, and microorganisms, have been identified as potential novel anticancer drugs. Spices play an important role in human health and possess many medicinal properties. Our study aimed to identify potential autophagy modulators from panch phoron spices (P5S) through in silico approaches. Herein, we report a structure-based virtual screening of compounds isolated from P5S (i.e., cumin, fenugreek, fennel, black mustard, and black cumin) against the molecular targets of autophagy. Using various computational tools, we attempted to identify potential modulators of autophagy. Among all the screening results (such as binding energy, hydrogen bonding, drug-likeness, bioactivity, ADME properties, and toxicity), P5S, stigmasterol, and tigogenin showed the best drug-like properties and binding affinity toward the selected targets of autophagy. Furthermore, the stability of both complexes was evaluated by performing a 100 ns molecular dynamics simulation (MDS) using Schrodinger's Desmond Module. Our results provide insight into the efficacy of P5S components against cancer. Therefore, targeting autophagy using these molecules may be an effective and potential drug candidate for cancer treatment. In conclusion, stigmasterol and tigogenin may act as potential candidates for anticancer drugs by targeting autophagy.

Pesticides, including fipronil, are used mainly in agriculture; however, in veterinary and animal husbandry, their potential use is to control the pests responsible for vector-borne diseases. Their residues in agriculture products and direct use on farms are responsible for potentially harming livestock and poultry. So, this study was designed to evaluate the toxico-pathological effects of fipronil on the immune system of poultry birds. One hundred a-day-old chicks were purchased from a local hatchery, and standard housing conditions were provided from brooding till the end of the trail. The temperature at brooding was kept at 33°C; later on, it was maintained at 26-28°C, and the humidity was at 60-70%. Clean water and a basal diet were provided ad libitum. After three days of acclimatization, birds were divided into five experimental groups (A to E), each containing 20 birds. Group A was kept as a control group. Fipronil was administered orally through crop tubing @ 1.5, 2.5, 3.5, and 4.5 mg/kg to groups B-E, respectively. Birds were euthanized humanely on the 15th, 30th, and 45th days of the experiment. Immunological parameters were evaluated, i.e., antibody titers against NDV and SRBCs, phagocytic activity to clear carbon particles, avian incompetence to avian tuberculin, and histopathological alterations in the lymphoid organs. The SAS® University Edition software was used for data analysis. The results indicated decreased antibody titers against NDV in the treatment groups compared to the control. Similarly, antibody response to SRBCs, phagocytic activity in clearing the carbon particles, and sensitivity to avian tuberculin in the treatment groups were also decreased. Results also revealed that the bursa of Fabricius thymus and spleen were also affected due to the toxic effect of fipronil, even at sub-lethal doses.

Tissue-resident lymphocytes play a crucial role in immune surveillance against cancer, yet their complex interactions and regulatory pathways remain underexplored, highlighting the need for a deeper understanding to enhance cancer immunotherapy strategies. Lymphocytes across the range of innate-adaptive responses can establish long-lasting presence in tissues, exerting a vital function in the local immune response against diverse antigens. These tissue-resident lymphocytes identify antigens and alarmins secreted by microbial infections and non-infectious stresses at barrier locations by closely interacting with epithelial and endothelial cells. Then they initiate effector responses to restore tissue homeostasis. Significantly, this immune defense system has been demonstrated to monitor the processes of epithelial cell transformation, carcinoma advancement, and cancer metastasis at remote locations, so establishing it as an essential element of cancer immunological surveillance. This review aims to elucidate the roles of diverse tissue-resident lymphocyte populations in shaping cancer immune responses and to investigate their synergistic effector mechanisms for advancing cancer immunotherapy.

The present study investigated the ameliorative effects of Chlorella vulgaris against arsenic toxicity in various organs of broiler birds. For this purpose, we experimented on ninety (n= 90) one-day old broiler chicks which were obtained from a commercial hatchery. Following the acclimatization of chicks for three days, these birds were equally allocated into 6 Groups consisting of fifteen (15) birds in each Group. Group 1 was kept as negative control while Group 6 was administered arsenic (40 mg/kg) via crop tubing. Two doses of Chlorella vulgaris (5g and 10g) received to Group 2 and Group 3 while Group 4 and Group 5 were treated with a combination of arsenic + Chlorella vulgaris. This experimental trial was continued for 6 weeks. During the experimental trial mortality, clinical signs, body weights, feed intake and several serum biochemical parameters were observed. Hematological parameters such as total red blood cells count, total white blood cells count, packed cell volume and hemoglobin concentrations were also determined. The observational data thus collected was analyzed by analysis of variance and group means were compared by using LSD test (p<0.05). All the broiler birds treated with arsenic showed a significantly decline in the feed intake and body weight gain as compared to control group. There was a maximum feed intake and body weight gain in the Group 3, while minimum in the Group 6. The relative organ weight of the liver and kidney was significantly higher in the Group 4 and Group 6 as compared to control group. Arsenic treated group showed a significantly decrease in the hematological parameters. The total protein and albumin decreased significantly, while creatinine, blood urea nitrogen and alanine aminotransferase increased significantly in the arsenic treated group. It was concluded that arsenic-induces various histopathological changes in the different body organs and Chlorella vulgaris has the potential to ameliorate these changes.

Mycotoxins negatively impact intestinal cell viability, leading to the depletion of beneficial bacteria and rendering birds susceptible to intestinal infections such as necrotic enteritis (NE). Furthermore, they impair the effective digestion and absorption of nutrients. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Bacillus licheniformis supplementation on broiler birds exposed to mycotoxins and subsequent necrotic enteritis infection. A total of 280 one-day-old broiler chicks were divided into eight groups and subjected to B. licheniformis supplementation (1 × 106 CFU/kg of feed) and mycotoxin exposure (aflatoxin and ochratoxin A, each at 150 ppb). Clostridium perfringens (3 × 1010 CFU/ml) was later administered to induce necrotic enteritis. This study evaluated body weight, feed intake, relative organ weights, hematological and serum biochemical parameters and performed histopathological examinations of liver, kidney and intestine. All the obtained data was statistically analyzed (P ≤ 0.05). The results demonstrated that B. licheniformis supplementation reduced the susceptibility to necrotic enteritis in broilers initially exposed to mycotoxins. Body weight and feed intake were significantly decreased in groups challenged with mycotoxins and necrotic enteritis, both individually and concurrently, compared to the control group. Relative weights of the liver, kidney and intestine were significantly higher in treatment groups. Hematological analysis revealed significantly lower erythrogram parameters (TEC, Hb, and PCV) in birds fed mycotoxin-contaminated feed, with or without necrotic enteritis. Hepatic and renal biomarkers were significantly elevated, and serum protein levels (total protein, albumin) were significantly lower. In contrast, birds supplemented with B. licheniformis and challenged with either mycotoxins or NE showed no significant differences in body weight, feed intake, erythrogram and leucogram compared to the control group. However, B. licheniformis did not mitigate these effects when supplemented in group with concurrent challenge of mycotoxins and NE, however, intensity of changes was reduced. In conclusion, B. licheniformis supplementation effectively alleviates the pathological changes induced by mycotoxins and necrotic enteritis when presented individually but is not sufficiently effective against the combined challenge of mycotoxins and necrotic enteritis.

Cancer continues to be a significant worldwide health concern, characterized by high rates of occurrence and death. Unfortunately, existing treatments frequently fall short of delivering satisfying therapeutic outcomes. Immunotherapy has ushered in a new era in the treatment of solid tumors, yet its effectiveness is still constrained and comes with unwanted side effects. The advancement of cutting-edge technology, propelled by gene analysis and manipulation at the molecular scale, shows potential for enhancing these therapies. The advent of genome editing technologies, including CRISPR-Cas9, can greatly augment the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy. This review explores the mechanism of CRISPR-Cas9-mediated genome editing and its wide range of tools. The study focuses on analyzing the effects of CRISPR-induced double-strand breaks (DSBs) on cancer immunotherapy, specifically by gene knockdown or knockin. In addition, the study emphasizes the utilization of CRISPR-Cas9-based genome-wide screening to identify targets, the potential of spatial CRISPR genomics, and the extensive applications and difficulties of CRISPR-Cas9 in fundamental research, translational medicine, and clinical environments.

The ethanol industries in the United States and China are witnessing a surge in the production of co-products, especially dried distillers' grains with solubles (DDGS). In the U.S., 90 % of maize-based ethanol byproducts are used for livestock feed, with 38.7 % of 14,575 million bushels repurposed in 2020. The U.S. also contributed 36 % of global maize shipments that year. China achieved a 98.2 % self-sufficiency rate in maize, producing 260.8 million metric tons and importing only 4.8 million metric tons in 2019. However, higher mycotoxin levels in DDGS, up to three times those in raw grain, cost the swine industry $9 million annually due to reduced weight gain from fumonisins. This review examines corn, DDGS, and ethanol production, spotlighting China and the USA. It addresses mycotoxin contamination in DDGS and corn, detailing its adverse effects on animal health. It also explores current challenges in DDGS mycotoxin contamination, focusing on processing, nutrition, and product quality. The propose future research directions to prevent mycotoxin contamination, ensuring a safer and more efficient industry. The increasing demand for animal products, climate change, and food safety issues highlight the need for improved food supply and diverse feed materials. Mycotoxin contamination poses significant health risks in feed. Modernizing detection methods for rapid, accurate results is essential to reduce economic losses. A comprehensive detoxification approach, including physical, chemical, and biological methods, is crucial. Ongoing research and strategic measures are vital to combat mycotoxin contamination, ensuring safe and efficient animal husbandry practices.

Sepsis caused by Gram-negative bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica is a major contributor to global morbidity and mortality. This study investigated the protective effects of four human milk-derived probiotic strains, Staphylococcus hominis, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus salivarius, and Streptococcus lactarius, in murine models of pathogen- and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced sepsis. Mice received probiotic pre-treatment before challenge with LPS, E. coli, or Salmonella enterica typhimurium. Clinical signs, survival, body weight, gross and histopathological lesions, serum biochemical markers, fecal bacterial load, and intestinal cytokine gene expression (TNF-α, IL-6) were recorded. Pathogen- and LPS-challenged groups showed high mortality, significant weight loss, marked intestinal pathology, elevated serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), urea, and creatinine, increased fecal pathogen counts, and upregulated TNF-α and IL-6 expression. Probiotic pre-treatment improved survival, preserved body weight, reduced lesion severity, normalized biochemical parameters, lowered fecal pathogen load, and downregulated pro-inflammatory cytokines. Among the tested strains, Strep. lactarius provided the most consistent protection in E. coli and LPS models, whereas Strep. Salivarius was most effective against Salmonella-induced sepsis. The results indicate that specific human milk-derived probiotics can reduce systemic inflammation and organ injury in Gram-negative bacterial sepsis.

This study aimed to investigate the potential of Pichia kudriavzevii (PK), a newly discovered yeast strain, in alleviating the deleterious effects induced by aflatoxins on broilers. Eighty one-day-old broiler chicks were divided into four groups and subjected to various combinations of aflatoxin dosages at 300 μg/kg of feed alongside PK supplementation at 1 g/kg of feed. Assessment encompassed a comprehensive array of parameters including performance metrics, hepatic and renal biomarkers, interleukin concentrations, blood cell counts, hemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume, antibody response to sheep red blood cells, lymphoproliferative response to PHA-P, phagocytic response utilizing the carbon clearance assay system, as well as evaluation of oxidants and antioxidants. Additionally, gross and microscopic lesions on liver and kidney were examined. The study highlights Pichia kudriavzevii as a promising agent for mitigating aflatoxin-induced toxicity in broiler chicks by improving antioxidant and immunomodulatory status, normalizing biomarkers, and reversing pathological alterations through multifaceted protective mechanisms.

Mycotoxins frequently contaminate a variety of food items, posing significant concerns for both food safety and public health. The adverse consequences linked to poisoning from these substances encompass symptoms such as vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, the potential for cancer development, impairments to the immune system, disruptions in neuroendocrine function, genetic damage, and, in severe cases, fatality. The deoxynivalenol (DON) raises significant concerns for both food safety and human health, particularly due to its potential harm to vital organs in the body. It is one of the most prevalent fungal contaminants found in edible items used by humans and animals globally. The presence of harmful mycotoxins, including DON, in food has caused widespread worry. Altered versions of DON have arisen as possible risks to the environment and well-being, as they exhibit a greater propensity to revert back to the original mycotoxins. This can result in the buildup of mycotoxins in both animals and humans, underscoring the pressing requirement for additional investigation into the adverse consequences of these modified mycotoxins. Furthermore, due to the lack of sufficient safety data, accurately evaluating the risk posed by modified mycotoxins remains challenging. Our review study delves into conjugated forms of DON, exploring its structure, toxicity, control strategies, and a novel animal model for assessing its toxicity. Various toxicities, such as acute, sub-acute, chronic, and cellular, are proposed as potential mechanisms contributing to the toxicity of conjugated forms of DON. Additionally, the study offers an overview of DON's toxicity mechanisms and discusses its widespread presence worldwide. A thorough exploration of the health risk evaluation associated with conjugated form of DON is also provided in this discussion.

Mycotoxins are the secondary fungal metabolites produced by various toxigenic fungal species and are found in several feedstuffs, particularly in plants during pre- and post-harvesting conditions, like processing, transportation and storage. They can cause disease in both humans and animals. The occurrence of mycotoxins is of high concern to food safety and security due to their negative health and economic effects. Consequently, the control of mycotoxin adulteration is a major goal of the food and agriculture industries. Therefore it is need of time to express the new approaches which may alleviate the economic and health implications linked with mycotoxins adulteration of food and feed ingredients having negative effects on public health and global trade. Several approaches have been assumed to alleviate mycotoxin adulteration but often fall short of the requisite efficiency. One of the auspicious strategies is the usage of bioactive plant metabolites or components synergistically with mycotoxin-adsorbing compounds for limiting the exposure of these mycotoxins and their adverse health effects. Several studies have proven that plant extracts have a variety of bioactive components which may prevent mould growth. The metabolites formed by plants are a promising substitute because plants produce a huge variety of compounds, either as a part of their growth or in response to stress or pathogen attack. The purpose of this review is to discuss the potential for control of fungal growth in food commodities by using plant-derived products or phytochemicals.

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is among the most potent genotoxic and carcinogenic mycotoxins and is a major source of distress for the growing poultry sector. On the other hand, distillery yeast sludge or distillery sludge (DS) is a byproduct of molasses-based industries. It is often treated as a waste despite containing abundant nutrients particularly protein, basic amino acids, and vitamins along with other macro and micronutrients. This study was designed to investigate the oxidative stress and immunological alterations induced by AFB1 and their amelioration by dietary supplementation with DS. For this purpose, 360 newly hatched broiler chicks were randomly divided into twelve groups (30 birds each) and fed different combinations of AFB1 (100, 200, or 600 µg/kg) and DS (5 or 10 g/kg) for 42 days. The parameters under consideration were body weight, feed conversion ratio (FCR), relative organ weights, histopathological examination of different visceral organs, total antioxidant capacity, antibody response to intravenous injection of sheep red blood cells, in situ lymphoproliferative response to phytohemagglutinin-P, and phagocytic potential through a carbon clearance assay system. The results of this study established that DS supplementation ameliorated AFB1-associated oxidative stress and ameliorated toxicopathological and immunological anomalies in groups given AFB1 at 100 µg/kg and 200 µg/kg; however, little to no relief was observed in birds fed AFB1 at 600 µg/kg. The determination of the actual ratio of the AFB1 to the DS for substantiating the ameliorating effects requires further investigation.