Ochratoxin A detoxification potentials of basil, chan, and chia seeds.

This article focuses on the potential of milled seeds from basil (Ocimum basilicum L.), chan (Hyptis suaveolens L.), and chia (Salvia hispanica L.) to adsorb and detoxify ochratoxin A (OTA), a toxic mycotoxin produced by Aspergillus and Penicillium species that contaminates various foods and poses health risks including carcinogenicity and nephrotoxicity. The study demonstrates that these seeds, particularly chia, effectively reduce OTA levels in phosphate-buffered saline, simulated gastric and intestinal fluids, and coffee products, with adsorption enhanced under acidic conditions. Given their natural origin, edibility, and cost-effectiveness, these seeds show promise as green, functional food additives for mitigating OTA contamination in food and feed. This research is the first to report the OTA elimination capacity of these specific seeds, suggesting their potential application in improving food safety.