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Aflatoxin contamination, particularly common in cultured fishes in Asian countries, are considered unsafe both for fish and human health. However, the presence of aflatoxin in cultured fish feed and their effect are still under estimated in Bangladesh. The present study aimed to assess the effects of aflatoxin on growth performance and residues in tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings. Fish feed were treated with several concentration of aflatoxin as 0 ppb (T0, control), 25 ppb (T1), 50 ppb (T2) and 100 ppb (T3) and fed the tilapia fingerlings (n=10) in individual glass aquaria (24×12×12 inch, 105-litre capacity) conditions for 12 weeks. Comparatively higher body length (cm) and weight gain (g) were observed in treatment T0 (1.68 and 4.98) and T1 (1.60 and 5.48) than those of treatment T2 (1.31 and 4.06) and T3 (1.20 and 3.10), respectively. The specific growth rate (SGR) were almost similar in treatment T0 (52%), T1 (51%) and T2 (52%) whereas declined significantly (p

Mycoflora and mycotoxin contamination are major challenges in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) production, trading and health concern to humans and animals. A total of 24 peanut samples out of which 12 were raw and 12 were roasted; were collected from different places in Bangladesh. These samples were examined for detection of mycoflora and mycotoxin. The mycoflora associated with the peanuts belonged to 11 fungal genera such as Aspergillus, Alternaria, Chaetomium, Cladosporium, Curvularia, Fusarium, Mucor, Penicillium, Pestalotia, Rhizopus and Trichoderma and frequencies of occurrence ranged from 0.33% to 71.95%. Aspergillus (71.95%) was the most dominant while the least was Trichoderma (0.33%). The fungal genus Aspergillus was found to be the most occurred (5501 colonies) and Pestalotia was the least occurred (25 colonies) pathogen in all samples. The highest number of fungal colonies (393) were formed in raw peanut collected from Sadarpur, Faridpur, however, the lowest number of fungal colonies (232) were formed in raw peanut collected from Potuakhali. Aspergillus was available in all the 24 samples. Penicllium was present in 12 raw peanut samples; on the other hand, Rhizopus was present in 12 samples of roasted peanuts. Aflatoxins were detected from 5 raw samples and 3 roasted samples and detection level of total aflatoxin ranged from 1.72 to 8.52 μg kg-1. The highest level of aflatoxin (8.52 μg kg-1) was detected in raw peanuts from Sibchor, Madaripur. Maximum amount of total aflatoxin among the roasted peanut was 6.71 μg kg-1 collected from Chorvodrasan, Faridpur district of Bangladesh. Finding of this study would help us in planning strategies for awareness and management of aflatoxin.

Pimpinella anisum L. seeds of the two cultivars were assessed for their nutritional quality and safety assessment through proximate, chemical and pharmacological studies. The proximate composition along with rich mineral elements as well as minor level of toxic elements indicated the good quality of seeds. The GC–MS analyses of hydro distilled volatile oils of two cultivars contained 16 constituents. The main constituents in BSRC (Bangladesh Spice Research Centre) seeds were trans-anethole (83.67%), fenchone (5.29%) and 1,2-diisopropenylcyclobutane (6.31%) whereas, trans-anethole (69.94%), fenchone (11.184%) and d-limonene (13.007%) were the main constituents in local market seeds. The IC50 values of DPPH antioxidant activity showed at 48.71 and 52.48 mg/mL, in BSRC and local market seeds cultivars essential oils respectively. The antimicrobial activity of the essential oils showed moderate activity in both cultivars against Gram-positive, Gram-negative bacteria and fungi. Both oils had some similarity in physiochemical properties and antimicrobial activity. The brine shrimp cytotoxic activity of the essential oils exhibited weaker activity than the standard drug at 3.06 and 2.86 μg/mL (IC50) in BSRC and local market seed cultivars respectively. The present investigation demonstrated good nutritional quality with rich bioactive phytoconstituents as well as low level of toxic elements of anise seeds. The research findings can open up a new possibility for exportation of indigenously cultivated spices as well as recommendations for food and pharmaceutical industries.

The effects of five levels of aflatoxin B1 (0, 25, 50, 100 and 200 ppb) and three (15, 30 and 45 days) culture durations on the growth performances and residue concentration in Thai koi, Anabas testudineus was investigated in indoor plastic tanks. Significant differences were found in 100 and 200 ppb treatment groups in average daily weight gain (ADG, g/d) and specific growth rate (SGR, %/d) compared to those of control, 25 and 50 ppb treatments group. Body muscle in 200 ppb treatment group had significantly higher concentration of aflatoxin B1 (AFB) residue than in the 100 and 50 ppb treatments. Control and 25 ppb treatments group did not have any residue. Total protein and fat contents decreased compared to control, 25 and 50 ppb treatments group. The results suggested that the level of contamination by 50, 100 and 200 ppb aflatoxin B1 in the feed of Thai koi fingerlings may concentrate in the body muscle at a level of above human health hazards. Any feeds with even 50 ppb AFB1 should not be used as feed for raising food fishes. Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 28(1): 37-47, 2019 (January)

Raw peanut kernel samples were collected from 13 areas of Bangladesh for determination of mycoflora and mycotoxin. Fungi associated with the tested samples throughout the investigation were Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, Aspergillus sp. (1), Aspergillus sp. (2), Penicillium sp., Fusarium sp., Rhizopus sp. and Curvularia sp. A. flavus was the most common fungus followed by A. niger. Colonies of fungi were found to form 79.81 to 98.10% of raw peanut kernels. Out of the 13 samples, eight were found to be contaminated with 11.91 to 182.6 ppb of total aflatoxins and five samples were free from aflatoxins.

not availableBangladesh J. Zool. 46(1): 81-86, 2018

The present study was conducted to determine the levels of oxytetracycline residues in Thai Koi (Anabas testudineus Bloch) collected from some local fish markets of Sylhet Sadar Upazilla, Bangladesh during March to August, 2016. For the purpose of the study, 24 fresh Thai Koi fish samples were randomly collected from four (4) local markets of Sylhet Sadar Upazilla. Concentration of oxytetracycline residues in collected fish samples were determined by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) at the Food Toxicology Laboratory of Institute of Food Science and Technology, Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Dhaka. The results showed that 9 (37.50%) samples with detectable amount of oxytetracycline residues (mean = 42.30±3.00 ppb) were found in Thai Koi. Oxytetracycline residues level below detection limit was also reported in 15 (62.50%) samples of Thai Koi during this study. The detected residues of oxytetracycline in this fish sample did not exceed the maximum residue limit (MRL) 100 ppb recommended by the European Commission. Though residue level of oxytetracycline is lower than the MRL but long term exposure could be hazardous for human health. For that reason, control of antibiotic usage in aquaculture, regular residue monitoring, legislations and regulations for the use of antimicrobials in aquaculture and food safety education are utmost things in this regard.

The present study was conducted to determine the persistence of oxytetracycline residue in Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) available in local fish markets of Sylhet Sadar Upazila. To carry out this experiment, 24 fish samples were randomly collected from four (4) local fish markets under study area from March 2016 to August 2016. Fish samples were analyzed by using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) method to detect amount of residues of oxytetracycline. In this study, detectable oxytetracycline residues were observed in five (5) samples of Tilapia ranged between 23.77-39.94 ppb (mean 38.88±2.99 ppb). Oxytetracycline residues less than limit of detection were also found in 19 (79.17%) samples. The detected residues of oxytetracycline in these fish samples did not exceed the maximum residue limit (MRL) 100 ppb recommended by the European Commission. However, long term persistence of high level oxytetracyclines could be a potential hazardous for public health. For this reason supervision of antibiotic uses and monitoring of optimum MRL in Tilapia are utmost needed for farmed fish species.Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res.53(1), 41-46, 2018

Aflatoxins are the potential lethal toxin produced by Aspergillus sp. important health hazard throughout the world. In this study, 26 Aspergillus sp. have been isolated from 50 samples of red chilli collected throughout the country. These 26 isolates were grown primarily on agar media to identify the aflatoxin producing species. It is possible to distinguish A. flavus strains from other Aspergillus sp. developing orange colour on the reverse of the plates. The Coconut Cream Agar (CCA) is used to detect aflatoxin producer strains having blue fluorescence when exposed to a UV-light. Several other media were used for morphological characteristics of Aspergillus sp. Out of 26 isolates, four isolates were confirmed as Aspergillus sp. These isolates were subjected to cross contamination with freshly ground, sterile maize and after 15 days of incubation the contaminated maize were analyzed by HPLC and found aflatoxin in each of the sample containing 186 ppb (max.). This study was conducted to assay the ability to produce aflatoxins by the Aspergillus spp. isolated from red chilli (Capsicum annuum L. Solanaceae) available throughout the country. The results found in the experiment are much more behind the acceptable limit according to some international standard. As red chilli is a widely used spice in Bangladesh, the proper controlling measures may be taken for controlling the surveillance of aflatoxinic fungi like as use of bio-pesticides, proper drying method and storage conditions.

Background Medicinal herbs are used for the treatment of different ailments since antiquity. Different parts of Anethum sowa L. is used in folk medicine as a carminative for the treatment of flatulence, colic and hiccups of infants and children, antioxidant, antimicrobial and antispasmodic agent. The aim of our present study is to evaluate the chemical composition of the essential oil, proximate and elemental composition, amino acid, fatty acid profile and thermal behaviour of its root part as well as different pharmacological activities like antioxidant, antimicrobial and cytotoxicity of the root essential oil. Methods The air-dried roots of Anethum sowa L. were subjected to hydro-distillation to yield the essential oil. The antioxidant activity of the essential oil was studied by DPPH radical scavenging activity. The antimicrobial activity was tested against four Gram-positive, six Gram-negative bacteria and four fungi species. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and Minimum bacterial concentration (MBC) for each examined microorganism were determined using the micro-dilution method. The LC50 value of the oil was also evaluated by brine shrimp lethality assay. The subsequent proximate analysis was also done by AOAC methods. The elemental analysis of the root powder was analysed by ICP-MS, AAS and FP system. The fatty acid was extracted by hot and cold extraction method and the analyses were carried out by GC. The amino acid profile was done by the amino acid analyzer. The DTA, DTG and TG of the root powder were taken by the thermogravimetric analyzer. Results A total of 24 constituents was identified and quantified in the essential oil and its water extract portion by GC and GC-MS. Apiol (81.99 and 74.779%) was found the highest phenylpropanoid constituent followed by m-diaminobenzene (10.446 and 8.778%) in the essential oil and aqueous extract portion. On the other hand, β-butyrolactone (5.13%) and isobutyl acetone (3.73%) were found in the major constituents in the water extract part. The IC50 value of the essential oil was found to be 3.07 mg/mL by DPPH radical assay methods. The LC50 value of the brine shrimp cytotoxicity assay of the essential oil was observed at 0.81 μg/mL. The essential oil showed better activity on Gram-negative bacteria than Gram-positive bacteria and fungi. The proximate composition showed that root contained 5.29% ash, 2.01% protein, 54.09% crude fibre, 0.15% essential oil and 1.14% fatty oil for hot extract and 0.23% for cold extract on the dried basis. The palmitic (33.81 & 31.58%) and linoleic acid (30.03 & 23.79%) were the major saturated and unsaturated fatty acids in the cold and hot extracted root powder respectively. Ca (23,600 mg/kg), Mg (7620.33 mg/kg) and K (1286.15 mg/kg) were the most predominant elements followed by Ni (1187.30 mg/kg), Se (913.79 mg/kg), Li (317.84 mg/kg), Na (288.72 mg/kg) and Fe (206.88 mg/kg). The toxic elements were found to be within the permissible limit. Glutamic acid (19.37%), glycine (14.53%) and lysine (17.08%) were found as the major amino acids. The decomposition rates were obtained by TG, DTG and DTA curve of the powder sample at various temperature ranges. Conclusions The results demonstrated that the root part of Anethum sowa L. is a rich source of mineral elements, essential amino acid and fatty acids. The essential oil is the highly potential as bioactive oil for pharmaceuticals and medical applications, possessing antioxidant, antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities. The thermal analysis suggested as a simple, effective and rapid method to characterize the Anethum sowa L. species as well as to assess for herbal formulation. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12906-017-1601-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Essential oils from two types of Ocimum basilicum introduced in Bangladesh were analyzed by GC-MS. The major constituents found in the oil collected from Indian variety were methyl chavicol (78.2), citral (3.7%) and tau-cadinol (2.49%). Introduced variety from Thailand contains anisole, p-propenyl (93.99%) as major compound. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjsir.v48i3.17335 Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 48(3), 217-220, 2013

The essential oil of Cinnamomum tamala Nees grown at laboratory campus of BCSIR, Dhaka was obtained from its fresh and dried leaves by hydrodistillation. The oils were analyzed by GC-MS. The major components in the fresh leaf oil were eugenol (75.28%) followed by spathulenol (10.06%), eugenyl acetate (9.82%) and in the dried leaf oil were eugenol (68.02%), spathulenol (12.73%), methyl eugenol(6.42%), ?-humulene (4.35%) & caryophyllene (3.58%). Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 48(2), 151-154, 2013 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjsir.v48i2.15747

Objective Although several generic oral formulations of azithromycin (AZT; CAS 83905-01-5) are available in Bangladesh, information regarding the bioavailability of these formulations in the Bangladeshi population is unavailable. The purpose of this study was to compare the relative bioavailability and other pharmacokinetic properties of 2 formulations of AZT 500 mg tablet, namely Azomac® (General Pharmaceutical Ltd., Bangladesh) (Test formulation) and Zithromax® (Pfizer, Rome, Italy) (Reference product) and to evaluate whether these formulations meet the FDA criteria to assume bioequivalence in Bangladeshi volunteers. Materials and methods A randomized, single-dose, two-way, cross-over, open-label pharmacokinetic study was performed in 24 healthy volunteers after administration of single dose of AZT 500 mg tablet under fasting condition following a washout period of 3 weeks. Blood samples were collected at pre-determined time points and analyzed for serum AZT concentration using a validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method. The pharmacokinetic parameters were determined by a noncompartmental method. Results From serum data, the obtained values given as mean (SD) for test and reference products were 382.41 (21.96), 392.31 (18.77) ng/ml for Cmax; 4.83(1.03), 4.83(1.03) h for tmax; 5,646.29 (912.19), 6,293.30 (966.76) h×ng/ml for AUC0-120; and 6,307.50 (863.40), 7,022.54 (961.28) h×ng/ml for AUC0-∞, respectively. The mean t1/2 was 41.44 (7.01), 41.16 (6.38) h for Test formulation and Reference product, respectively. The analysis of variance revealed no period or sequence effect for any pharmacokinetic property; however, a significant formulation effect was observed for Cmax, AUC0-120, AUC0-∞ and AUMC0-120. The 90% confidence intervals of the test/ reference mean ratios of the ln-transformed Cmax, AUC0-120 and AUC0-∞ were 87.89 - 89.36%, 87.40 - 91.70% and 87.47 - 92.07%, respectively, which fell within the predetermined FDA bioequivalence range. Conclusion It can be concluded that the test formulation met the regulatory criteria for bioequivalence to the Reference tablet formulation in terms of both rate and extent of absorption.

The present research has been performed on black pepper of two cultivars to evaluate their nutritional quality and safety issue on the basis of proximate, chemical and pharmacological properties. The proximate results were compiled with the standard USDA limits. K, Ca, Mg, Na, Fe, Al and Se were detected as major elements, whereas the toxic elements were found within the recommended limit. The GC‐MS analysis of the essential oils showed the presence of δ‐3‐carene (32.61%) as the major component in Kerala cultivar whereas β‐caryophyllene (18.39%) was the major components in Indigenous cultivar. The IC₅₀ values of DPPH antioxidant activity of the essential oils were found to be 44.16 and 22.88 mg/mL in Indigenous and Kerala cultivars, respectively. The antimicrobial activity of the essential oils showed good activity in both cultivars. The LC₅₀ values of the brine shrimp cytotoxic activity were 1.03 and 1.21 μg/mL in Indigenous and Kerala cultivars, respectively. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Spice quality is an important issue in the food industries as well as export markets. Due to the toxicological effect of imported spices, much attention has been paid to the safety issue especially on cytotoxicity and toxic metal contaminations. The present study reveals that both cultivars possess rich amount of nutritional components, essential minerals, phyto and flavouring components in their essential oils and recommended level of toxic elements as well as decent antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. This study promises to scaffold a new window for exportation of quality spice and confer potential for use in food, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries.

The concentrations of organochlorine insecticides (DDT and heptachlor) were investigated to estimate the effect of various washing and boiling/cooking to elucidate the concentration level we intake actually. For this study five most popular dry fish samples namely bombay duck (loittya), ribbon fish (chhuri), shrimp (chingri), chinese pomfret (rupchanda) and Indian salmon (lakhua) were analyzed. The highest concentrations of DDT and heptachlor were found 737.238 ppb (Indian salmon, normal) and 44.806 ppb (shrimp, normal) respectively; after boiling treatment a big amount was washed out and remained only 135.516 ppb and 16.868 ppb respectively. Boiling treatment was found more effective than the others.

The concentrations of organochlorine insecticides DDT and heptachlor were investigated to estimate the current status of insecticides used in dry fish. The most popular dry fish- ribbon fish (Chhuri), shrimp (Chingri) and bombay duck (Loittya) were selected for this study and these dry fishes were collected from different markets of Dhaka and Chittagong. The range of DDT used in all the samples was 3.038 ppb to 874.966 ppb. The range of DDT in ribbon fish 131.611 ppb to 149.430 ppb, in shrimp 3.038 ppb to 318.206 ppb and in bombay duck 61.918 ppb to 874.966 ppb was found. The range of heptachlor used in all the samples was 0.682 ppb to 5.464 ppb. The range of heptachlor in ribbon fish 1.710 ppb to 2.306 ppb, in shrimp 0.682 ppb to 3.806 ppb and in bombay duck 1.762 ppb to 5.464 ppb was found. The heptachlor was not found in ribbon fish (CTG-2), shrimp (DHK-2 and CTG-1) and bombay duck (DHK-1). The concentration of heptachlor in dry fish compare to DDT was found too much less.

Maize was collected from different markets of Bangladesh for the determination of ochratoxin A. Simultaneously controlled maize samples were analyzed to assess the ochratoxin A level of market samples and that of controlled samples. A total of 120 samples were analyzed to determine ochratoxin A including 70 market samples and 50 controlled samples. Market samples were found containing a high contamination level of ochratoxin A ranged from 1 to 117 μg/kg and incidence rate was 40% whereas in the controlled samples the contamination rate was found very low ranged from 3 to 9 μg/kg and the incidence rate was found 10% only. Key words: Maize, Ochratoxin A, Occurrence, Bangladesh, HPTLC  doi: 10.3329/bjsir.v43i4.2239 Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 43(4), 495-500, 2008

To assess the quality of sweetened condensed milk of Bangladesh four different brands of sweetened condensed milk were selected viz. Danish, Fresh milk, Star ship and Goalini. Twenty samples were analyzed for physical (organoleptic), chemical and microbiological qualities. From the physical test it was observed that all samples were in good grade i.e. fresh, free from odour, viscous and smooth, rich cream to yellow in colour and very sweet in taste. The average physical score was 88.05±7.631. Sweetened condensed milk had a titrable acidity of 0.135 to 0.180 %; fat 6.80 to 8.0 %; protein 6.51 to 7.96 %; ash 1.50 to 1.83 %; carbohydrate 53.74 to 55.62 % and total solids (TS) 69.98 to 73.15 %. The total viable count was in the range of 10x102 to 20x102 CUF/g; no coliform bacteria were found. The results of acidity percentage, fat content, organoleptic tests and microbiological tests indicated that there was no variation among different brands of sweetened condensed milk. But, when other chemical parameters (protein, ash, carbohydrate and total solids) were considered then Star ship was found to be better than that of Danish, Goalini and Fresh milk. Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 42(2), 147-156, 2007

Mushrooms are becoming popular to us due to their nutritional, medicinal and therapeutic values. Toxicity of aflatoxins, presence of DDT and heptachlor as pesticide residue are rare in edible mushrooms but not non-existent. So an attempt has been made to determine its presence and to the same quantify using HPLC and GC. Total seven categories of mushrooms and mushroom-based food products were analyzed. Among them (6 samples) 85.72% of the total was found to be free from aflatoxins. On the other hand, 5.53282 μgkg -1 of aflatoxin B 1 was found to be present in canned Button mushrooms ( Agaricus spp ).The results revealed that 14.28% (1 sample) of samples were toxicated by aflatoxin B 1 , compare to the total samples analyzed including the imported was in the form of processed/preserved mushrooms. In the present experiments it was also observed that there were no aflatoxins in fresh-cut mushrooms and in the recently developed Mushroom-juice even in dried and powdered as processed Oyster mushrooms ( Pleurotus ostreatus ) which are being widely cultivated in Bangladesh. No pesticide residue such as DDT or heptachlor was detected in any of the samples examined. Key words : Mushrooms, Oyster, Button, Aflatoxins, DDT, Heptachlor; Pesticide residue. DOI: 10.3329/bjsir.v44i2.3671 Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 44(2), 193-198, 2009

As quality of feed is the main determinant factor in successful poultry farming attempts were made to evaluate the quality of feeds used in the farms of Bangladesh. Feed samples were collected from two layer farm, four big hatcheries and six broiler farms located in different areas of Bangladesh and the collection was continued for twelve months. For monitoring the quality, dry matter, crude protein, ether extract, ash and calcium content in the feed were determined. The information regarding the source and ingredients of the feed as well as the feeding practices followed by the farms was also recorded. Based on age, purpose and stage of production, different feeding systems were practiced by the farms. In the present investigation, breeder farms were found to own feed-mill where they produced their feed and the quality of the feed appeared better compared to those used in broiler or layer farms. The nutrient contents in breeder ration were as per recommendation of the strain producing company. A wide variation of nutrient contents was observed in the feed fed to broilers in different farms. When the broiler feed was produced in the own feed-mill of the farm or supplied from a renowned feed- mill, the quality appeared to be quite acceptable with some deviation. Some self-prepared broiler feeds contained higher amount of ash and calcium. The broiler feed from retailer shop was found to be least acceptable. Remarkable fluctuation was noticed in metabolizable energy( ME) and ash content of layer layer feed procured from the retailer shop. Key words: Poultry feed, Nutrient content, Breeder feed, Broiler feed, Layer feed DOI: 10.3329.bjsir.v43i1.852 Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 43(1), 1-12, 2008