Bracken-associated human and animal health hazards: Chemical, biological and pathological evidence

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2012

Authors

R. M. Gil da Costa (Author) FEUP; Margarida M. S. M. Bastos (Author) FEUP; P. A. Oliveira (Author) Other; C. Lopes (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Journal of Hazardous Materials

Vol. 203 No. February 2012

Pages: 1-12

ISSN: 0304-3894

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 34 Citations

Scopus - 53 Citations

Associated Projects

PEst-C/EQB/UI0511/2011 - PROJECTO ESTRATÉGICO - UI 511 - 2011-2012

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-002-D18

DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2011.12.046

Abstract (EN): Bracken (Pteridium aquilinum) is a widely distributed carcinogenic fern, to whose toxins human populations are exposed through multiple routes. Animals are also affected by bracken toxins, leading to serious production losses yearly. Accordingly, several governmental reports regarding the safeguard of public health against bracken carcinogens have been recently issued. This review describes the main bioactive compounds identified in bracken and their biological effects at the molecular, cellular, pathological and populational levels, with particular emphasis on ptaquiloside, the main bracken carcinogen. Recent biopathological studies shedding further light on the genotoxicity immunotoxicity and carcinogenicity of ptaquiloside are discussed. Key steps on the long effort to understand bracken toxicology are also reviewed, along with the latest findings on new bracken toxins and human exposures routes. The presence of ptaquiloside and related terpene glycosides in milk, meat and water are of particular concern from the viewpoints of both human and animal health.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 12