Effect of plant extracts on mycelial growth and aflatoxin production by Aspergillus flavus

Extracts of Allium sativum, Syzygium aromaticum, Trachyspermum antmi and Zingiber officinale were screened for antifungal and antiaflatoxigenic properties on Aspergillus flavus CMI 102566. Complete inhibition of aflatoxin synthesis, with varying degree of inhibition of mycelial growth was observed after the addition of plant extracts in the culture medium. Extract of Z. officinale at day 4 promoted mycelial growth but retarded aflatoxin production. In contrast, the extracts of S. aromaticum and T. ammi inhibited both aflatoxin synthesis as well as mycelial growth. A. sativum extract inhibited mycelial growth at day-4, but had negligible effect on aflatoxin production.