Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)

Aflatoxin B1 is a naturally occurring mycotoxin produced predominantly by the fungi Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus[4][5]. It is a colorless to pale yellow crystalline compound fluorescing blue under UV light and is considered the most toxic and carcinogenic aflatoxin, with a strong link to hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer) in humans and animals[1][3][4]. Aflatoxin B1 contaminates numerous crops (especially grains and nuts) in warm and humid climates, posing a major threat to food safety and public health worldwide. It is not a receptor, enzyme, transporter, or other classical drug/biological target, but rather itself a toxic small molecule of concern for poisoning and cancer risk[4][5][6].

Other names

Aflatoxin BAfB1AFB1afb1AFBIalflatoxinHSDB 3453NSC 529592

Drugs do not act “on” Aflatoxin B1 as a therapeutic target; some therapies may: - Bind or degrade Aflatoxin B1 to reduce toxicity - Enhance its metabolic detoxification via hepatic enzymes (e.g., glutathione S-transferases) - Prevent its absorption in the gut using enterosorbents such as activated charcoal or cholestyramine