MediHerb - Multilevel molecular analysis of the hepatoprotective effect of medicinal herbs extracts in prevention of liver dysfunction caused by aflatoxin B1 in pig as an animal model (in-vivo), and hepatocyte cell culture analysis in human and pig (in-vitro)
Contact: Prof. Dr. rer. nat. habil. Klaus Wimmers
Duration: 2023-2026
Funding: German Research Foundation (DFG)
Abstract:
Aflatoxins are ubiquitous secondary metabolites produced by fungi of the Aspergillus genus. Global climatic changes are creating favorable conditions for the growth of these toxicogenic fungi, promoting aflatoxin production. Among the different types, Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is considered the most potent hepatotoxin, commonly contaminating grains used as animal feed. The ingestion of AFB1 through contaminated feed poses significant health risks to animals, ranging from reduced weight gain and immunosuppression—which increases susceptibility to infections—to tumor development, particularly hepatocellular carcinoma. In acute cases, severe aflatoxicosis may occur, which can lead to fatal outcomes.
This project investigates the potential of herbal extracts to mitigate the hepatotoxic effects of AFB1 in pigs. As part of a DFG-funded international consortium, feeding trials are conducted with AFB1 and medicinal herbal extracts, including Andrographis paniculata (AP), Silybum marianum (SM), and Curcuma longa (CL). The aim of these studies is to explore the potential of the extracts to promote the biotransformation of AFB1 and thereby reduce liver damage.
The FBN's contributions include RNA sequencing of liver tissue and metabolomic analyses of blood plasma samples to identify the molecular mechanisms involved in the detoxification process. These in-vivo analyses are complemented by transcriptomic and metabolomic studies on cells from in-vitro experiments conducted by project partners. Integrating these datasets aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms supporting resistance to aflatoxin-induced toxicity.