Effect of Ziziphora clinipodioides L on inhibition of aflatoxin B1 production in the maize grain

The aim of this study was to determine the antifungal effect of Ziziphora clinipodioides L essential oil on two fungi species including Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. The effect of the essential oil, at six levels (6250, 3125, 1600,800,400 and 196 μg/ml) was investigated on the growth and activity of A.flavus and A.parasiticus and also toxin production of these species in maize at 0.97 aw and 25oc after 29 days. Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) content was assayed by ELISA technique. Results showed that Z.clinopodioides essential oil was more effective on A.parasiticus than A.flavus in in-vivo conditions. Under storage condition in maize, AFB1 production significantly (P< 0.05) repressed at the concentrations 6250μg/ml for A.flavus and 6250 and 3125μg/ml for A.parasiticus. At the lower concentrations, the AFB1 production increased gradually. The results of the present study indicated that the essential oil of Z.clinipodioides had significant antifungal activity (P< 0.05); therefore, it can be used as an antifungal agent in the food and medicinal industries.

Keywords:

Essential oil , Ziziphora clinipodioides , Aspergillus flavus , Aspergillus parasiticus , Aflatoxin