Aflatoxin B1 can be complexed with oxidised tea polyphenols and the absorption of the complexed aflatoxin B1 is inhibited in rats

BACKGROUND Afatoxin B1 (AFB1) is the most prevalent and carcinogenic form of the aflatoxins. In this report, we explored the interaction between AFB1 and oxidized tea polyphenols (OTP). Then, the influence of OTP on the absorption and toxicity of AFB1 in rats was investigated. RESULTS We found that AFB1 can be complexed with OTP, and a transmembrane bidirectional transport experiment verified the absorption of complexed AFB1 (C-AFB1) was inhibited by OTP dramatically(p < 0.001). Animal experiments results showed that the AFB1 plus OTP group had significantly (p < 0.05) decreased AFB1-albumin (AFB1-alb) compared to the AFB1 group at 4 h after ingestion. OTP could significantly(p < 0.01) promote the elimination of AFB1 in feces. Moreover, the liver injury induced by AFB1 was inhibited by OTP significantly. CONCLUSION Our results demonstrated AFB1 can be complexed with OTP and the absorption of the C-AFB1 is inhibited in rats. Consequently, the liver injury induced by AFB1 can be inhibited by OTP. These results provide insight that consuming OTP containing products, like fermented Pu-er tea, can protect damage from AFB1, and OTP may be used as a kind of food additive.