A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF NATURAL TOXINS IN FOOD PLANTS

Abstract

Natural toxins are present in numerous types of plants and most of these plants are normally ingested as food. These types of compounds whenever consumed in large quantity or when they are not cooked properly may lead to food poisoning. Plant toxins are found naturally in vegetables and fruits which have been the common food sources. They are generally metabolites produced through plants to protect themselves against different threats like predators, insects, bacteria and fungi. Natural toxins can also be found in food plants because of natural choice as well as new reproduction methods which enhance these defensive mechanisms. Different kinds of natural toxins can be present in various parts of a plant. The parts of the harvest plant that are utilized for a food sources include the roots, tubers, stems, fruits, buds and foliage. The aim of the review is to provide the toxicological summary of a few of the toxins found in ingested food.