Beauvericin: The beauty and the beast

Environ Toxicol Pharmacol. 2020 Apr:75:103349. doi: 10.1016/j.etap.2020.103349. Epub 2020 Jan 31.

Abstract

Beauvericin (BEA) is a natural bioactive compound, with a dual nature. On the one hand, the peculiar characteristics of its molecule confer to BEA interesting properties, such as antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiparasitic, insecticidal and anticarcinogenic activities. On the other hand, it is a natural contaminant of food and feed commodities, and an emerging mycotoxin, but lacks a toxicological risk assessment evaluation for long term exposure. This review aims to provide a global and comprehensive overview on BEA from its biological activities, to its in vivo and in vitro toxicological effects covering the multifaceted nature of this substance.

Keywords: Beauvericin; Effects; Emerging mycotoxin; In vivo and in vitrotoxicity.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
  • Antifungal Agents / pharmacology
  • Antiviral Agents / pharmacology
  • Depsipeptides / pharmacology*
  • Food Contamination
  • Insecticides / pharmacology
  • Mycotoxins / toxicity

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Antifungal Agents
  • Antiviral Agents
  • Depsipeptides
  • Insecticides
  • Mycotoxins
  • beauvericin