Are ergots and aflatoxins produced by fungi?

Ergots and aflatoxins are indeed produced by fungi, specifically from certain species. Ergots are produced by the fungus Claviceps purpurea, which infects cereal grains, particularly rye. The compounds formed during this infection can have psychoactive and medicinal properties. Aflatoxins, on the other hand, are produced by various species of the Aspergillus fungus, particularly Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. These toxins are well-known for their potential to contaminate crops and pose significant health risks to humans and animals, including carcinogenic effects.

Fungi are remarkable organisms capable of producing a wide variety of secondary metabolites, such as ergots and aflatoxins, which can have profound implications in agriculture and food safety. The production of these compounds demonstrates the importance of understanding fungal biology and its impacts on both human health and agricultural practices.