Effect of spice essential oils on growth and aflatoxin B¹ production by Aspergillus flavus

Abstract

Aflatoxin B¹ production by Aspergillus flavus was studied in yeast extract sucrose broth in the presence of cinnamon, clove, almond and cardamom oils. Growth and aflatoxin B₁ production was inhibited by 0.5 μl cinnamon oil ml⁻¹ medium and by 1 μl clove oil ml⁻¹. Almond and cardamom oils only affected growth when their concentration exceeded 1.25 μl ml⁻¹ medium. Aflatoxin B₁ production was stimulated by 0.75 and 1 μl almond oil ml⁻¹ medium or by 0.25 and 0.5 μl cardamom oil ml⁻¹.