In Vitro Inhibition of Growth and Aflatoxin B1 Production of Aspergillus Flavus Strain (ATCC 16872) by Various Medicinal Plant Essential Oils

The hazardous nature of aflatoxins to human and animals necessitate the need for establishment of control measures. The objective of this study was to evaluate the inhibition of growth and aflatoxin production of Aspergillus flavus  strain (ATCC 16872) by various essential oils in Yeast Extract Sucrose (YES) growth media at 25°C. Essential oils of basil, fennel, coriander, caraway, peppermint and rosemary were tested for their effects on mycelial growth and aflatoxin production. Aflatoxin B1 production was determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The findings of this study revealed the antifungal efficacy of the all tested essential oils. The extent of inhibition of fungal growth and aflatoxin production was dependent on the type and concentration of essential oils used. The complete inhibition of  Aspergillus flavus  growth was observed at 1000 ppm concentrations of essential oils of basil, coriander, caraway and rosemary. While, essential oils of basil and coriander showed marked inhibition of aflatoxin B1 produced by  Aspergillus flavus  at all concentrations tested 500,750 and 1000 ppm.