Patulin
Patulin is found in pomes. Mycotoxin, found as a contaminant of foods, e.g. apple juice. Sometimes detd. in apple juice Patulin is a mycotoxin produced by a variety of molds, particularly Aspergillus and Penicillium. It is commonly found in rotting apples, and the amount of patulin in apple products is generally viewed as a measure of the quality of the apples used in production. It is not a particularly potent toxin, but a number of studies have shown that it is genotoxic, which has led to some theories that it may be a carcinogen, though animal studies have remained inconclusive. Patulin is also an antibiotic. Several countries have instituted patulin restrictions in apple products. The World Health Organization recommends a maximum concentration of 50 ug/L in apple juice.

Patulin has been shown to exhibit apoptotic and antibiotic functions (A7849, A7850).

Patulin belongs to the family of Pyrans. These are compounds containing a pyran ring, which is a six-member heterocyclic, non-aromatic ring with five carbon atoms, one oxygen atom and two ring double bonds.