Toxigenic moulds associated with root tubers of safed musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum Sant. F)

Divine herb Chlorophytum borivilianum (Safed Musli), family Liliaceae, is an aphrodisiac, antiageing health restorative and health promoting medicinal plant. The present study revealed that a total of 55 fungal species were recorded from dried and fresh samples of safed musli (root tubers). These fungi mainly include 10 species of Aspergillus, 3 species of Penicillium, 2 species of Fusarium and 1 species each of Alternaria, Cladosporium, Curvularia, Drechslera, Helminthosporium, Mucor, Mycelium sterila, Rhizopus, Trichoderma, Botrytis, Candida, Cephalosporium, Cunnighmella, Paecilomyces, Trichothecium and Verticillium. Among these, the most prevalent mould was Aspergillus flavus. In all 95 isolates of Aspergillus flavus were isolated and subjected to preliminary screening for aflatoxigenic nature. Out of these, 70 isolates showed aflatoxigenic nature in CAM ammonia test. The other dominant moulds were Fusarium and Penicillium which are known to elaborate mycotoxins. The association of toxigenic moulds with root tubers of safed musli needs a serious consideration in regard to human health as it is gaining wide spread acceptance as an alternative to Viagra