Nuts' New Aflatoxin Fighter: Caffeic Acid?

This article discusses findings of a study conducted by U.S. Agricultural Research Service scientists Bruce C. Campbell and Jong H. Kim regarding the role of caffeic acid in reducing aflatoxin production. Aflatoxin is a natural cancer-causing compound . A fungus, or mold, known as Aspergillus flavus is a leading producer of aflatoxin. Campbell explained that when the mold feeds on certain kinds of tree nuts, the nuts respond by forming compounds called oxidants. The oxidants, in turn, cause what is known as oxidative stress in the mold. The mold's reaction is then to produce aflatoxin. Based on the study, caffeic acid outperformed the other antioxidants, reducing aflatoxin production by more than 95 percent.