Natural toxins and One Health: a review

Background: The One Health concept considers the interconnectivity, interactions and interdependence of humans, animals and the environment. Humans, animals and other organisms are constantly exposed to a wide range of natural toxins present in the environment. Thus, there is growing concern about the potential detrimental effects that natural toxins could pose to achieve One Health. Interestingly, alkaloids, steroids and bioactive peptides obtained from natural toxins could be used for the development of therapeutic agents. Methodology: Our literature search focused on the following keywords; toxins, One Health, microbial toxins, mycotoxins, phytotoxins, phycotoxins, insect toxins and toxin effects. Google Scholar, Science Direct, PubMed and Web of Science were the search engines used to obtain primary databases. We chose relevant full-text articles and review papers published in English language only. The research was done between July 2022 and January 2023. Results: Natural toxins are poisonous substances comprising bioactive compounds produced by microorganisms, invertebrates, plants and animals. These compounds possess diverse structures and differ in biological function and toxicity, posing risks to human and animal health through the contamination of the environment, causing disease or death in certain cases. Findings from the articles reviewed revealed that effects of natural toxins on animals and humans gained more attention than the impact of natural toxins on the environment and lower organisms, irrespective of the significant roles that lower organisms play to maintain ecosystem balance. Also, systematic approaches for toxin control in the environment and utilization for beneficial purposes are inadequate in many regions. Remarkably, bioactive compounds present in natural toxins have potential for the development of therapeutic agents. These findings suggest that global, comprehensive and coordinated efforts are required for improved management of natural toxins through an interdisciplinary, One Health approach. Conclusion: Adopting a One Health approach is critical to addressing the effects of natural toxins on the health of humans, animals and the environment.