More than 95% of ground dried chilies and dried chili seeds collected in Thailand were contaminated with the fungus Aspergillus section Flavi that...

More than 95% of the dried chili powder and dried chili seeds collected in Thailand were contaminated with Aspergillus section Flavi, a strain that produces aflatoxin B1.

There is evidence that long-term exposure to aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) causes neurodegeneration. Increased risk of Alzheimer's disease:

brain damage

Research studies have shown that AFB1 can damage brain tissue in infants and young children. In mice, exposure to AFB1 decreased the number of astrocytes in the brain's cortex. and the number of astrocytes in the hippocampus increased.

intellectual disability

Animal studies show that exposure to AFB1 can disrupt brain function. Reduced memory space in the brain and promotes anxious and depressive behavior

Inflammation of the nervous system

AFB1 can induce cytotoxicity. stimulates an inflammatory reaction and causing oxidative damage in neurons, microglia, and astrocytes.

Mitochondrial disorders

Exposure to AFB1 can inhibit mitophagy. This is a process in which dysfunctional mitochondria are degraded by lysosomes. Mitochondrial dysfunction can lead to the accumulation of ROS, which promotes inflammation. and accelerate aging and age-related diseases.