Α-zearalenol

Α-zearalenol is a mycotoxin produced by several species of Fusarium, a genus of fungi. It is one of the many Fusarium mycotoxins that can contaminate crops and cause health problems in humans and animals.

Chemical Structure and Properties

Α-zearalenol is a resorcylic acid lactone that is structurally similar to estrogen, a hormone found in mammals. This structural similarity allows Α-zearalenol to bind to estrogen receptors and exert estrogenic effects. The compound is heat-stable and can survive cooking and processing, which can lead to its presence in processed foods.

Sources and Exposure

Α-zearalenol is primarily found in contaminated crops, particularly cereal grains such as corn, wheat, and barley. The fungi that produce Α-zearalenol thrive in warm, humid conditions, and contamination can occur both pre-harvest and during storage. Humans and animals can be exposed to Α-zearalenol through the consumption of contaminated food or feed.

Health Effects

Due to its estrogenic activity, Α-zearalenol can cause a variety of health effects. In animals, these effects can include reproductive disorders, reduced fertility, and changes in secondary sexual characteristics. In humans, exposure to Α-zearalenol can potentially lead to similar effects, although the evidence is less clear. The World Health Organization and other health agencies have set maximum allowable levels for Α-zearalenol in food and feed to protect against these potential health effects.

Detection and Control

Various methods are available for the detection of Α-zearalenol in food and feed, including chromatography and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) techniques. Control of Α-zearalenol contamination involves good agricultural and storage practices to prevent the growth of Fusarium fungi. These include crop rotation, use of resistant crop varieties, and proper drying and storage of harvested crops.

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