https://journals.covenantuniversity.edu.ng/index.php/cjhl/issue/feed 2025-01-09T03:32:48+00:00 Prof. Olubanke O. Ogunlana cjml@covenantuniversity.edu.ng Open Journal Systems <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Covenant Journal of Health and Life Sciences is an international, peer-reviewed, online open-access journal of scientific studies and reviews related to fundamental themes in medical and life sciences, published periodically as two issues annually. The open-access theme allows authors to retain the intellectual property rights to their published articles. The Open journal system will be locally installed and controlled by Covenant University Management. The Editors will configure requirements, sections, review processes, etc. There will be online submission, management and indexing of all content, email notification and commenting ability for readers.</span></p> https://journals.covenantuniversity.edu.ng/index.php/cjhl/article/view/4861 2025-01-09T03:32:48+00:00 Adewunmi O. O. modupe.adetunji@trinityuniversity.edu.ng Adetunji M. C. modupe.adetunji@trinityuniversity.edu.ng Fagbemi O. T. modupe.adetunji@trinityuniversity.edu.ng Aransiola M. N. modupe.adetunji@trinityuniversity.edu.ng Odunlade A. K. modupe.adetunji@trinityuniversity.edu.ng Fowora M. A. modupe.adetunji@trinityuniversity.edu.ng Omoyajowo A. O. modupe.adetunji@trinityuniversity.edu.ng

<p>Tiger nuts (Cyperus esculentus) and dates (Phoenix dactylifera) are commonly consumed raw, posing potential health risks. This study investigated fungal contamination and mycotoxin presence in 54 composite samples from 18 Lagos State markets. Moisture content, frequency of occurrence of fungi, aflatoxigenic potential and presence of fungal metabolites were determined using standard methods and Liquid Chromatography with tandem Mass spectrophotometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis. Moisture content and CFU/mL of nuts ranged between 8.00 - 38.83%, and 1.60 x 104 - 3.10 x 105cfu/mL. Fungal genera isolated include Aspergillus (11.80%), Fusarium (3.89%), Penicillium, Saccharomyces (38.25%), and Candida (41.2%). An aggregate of 26 fungal metabolites (15 regulated and 11 unregulated) were detected in the nuts and dates. Fusarium-producing toxins; FB1, FB2 and FB3 (regulated mycotoxin) and Fusaric acid metabolite (emerging mycotoxins) produced the highest concentration (20.00 ±0.0 and 81.5µg/kg ± 2.4 respectively) of toxins among the metabolites, while Aflatoxin B1 and B2 concentrations ranked the least (0.2-2.05µg/kg ±0.1). This is the first report to document the occurrence of fusaric acid and emerging mycotoxins (Enniatin A, A1, B, and B1) in tiger nuts and dates consumed in Lagos, Nigeria. Notably, the unusually high levels of fusaric acid detected in these nuts raise concerns due to its potential health impacts. These findings will inform policymakers and relevant institutions in ensuring public safety.</p>

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