Abstract:
Okpehe". fermented African mesquite bean (Prosopis africana) is a popular seasoning among
the Igala speaking of Kogi Slate. Nigeria Ten samples of okpehe from different sources in and
around Anyigba. Dekina Local Government of Kogi Slate. Nigeria were analysed for fungal
contamination. The analysis was carried out in triplicates. Nine of the ten samples were found to
produce al least one fungi isolate on culture in potatoes dextrose agar medium, with a total of
forty-four isolates and seven different types of fungal species. Nine (20.3%) of the isolates
elaborated secondary metabolites on rice medium. Thirty healthy albino rats (170 t 32 g) were
randomised into ten groups of three animals each. Nine groups were treated p.o. with a fixed
dose of SOOOmgikg (body weight) of the crude extracts of the secondary metabolites produced.
The tenth group served as control and the animal received equal aliquot of the vehicle (normal
saline). After fourteen days of observation, neither pharmacoloxic signs nor mortality was was
observed in the test animals. This shows that although the okpehe consumed in Anyigba and its
environs contains residual fungi contamination from die fermentation process, may not pose any
risk due Io mycotoxicoses in consumers
