Antifungal activities of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) extract on Fusarium species

Abstract

The basil extract composition was determined by the GC-MS method and 38 different components were identified. The major components of the basil extract were estragol (86.72%), trans-α-bergamotene (2.91%), eucalyptol (2.67%), trans-ocimene (1.04%), linalool (0.72%), methyl-eugenol (0.71%), etc. The antifungal potential of the basil extract was tested against Fusarium oxysporum, F. proliferatum, F. subglutinans, and F. verticillioides isolated from cakes, using the agar plate method. Extract concentrations of 0.35 and 0.70% (v/v) significantly inhibited the growth of F. proliferatum (33.37 and 44.30%, respectively) and F. subglutinans (24.74 and 29.27%, respectively) whereas other investigated Fusarium species exhibited much lower sensitivity. The basil extract completely inhibited the growth of investigated Fusarium spp. at the concentration of 1.50% (v/v). Higher concentrations (0.35 and 0.70% (v/v)) reduced growth of aerial mycelium in all tested species. Strong medium pigmentation in the case of F. proliferatum and F. verticillioides was observed. The microscopic examination of the samples confirmed the presence of hyphae deformations with a frequent occurrence of fragmentations, thickenings and diminished sporulation. In addition to the basic, sensory, role the extract of basil has in the food product, it exerted significant antifungal properties, depending on its concentration.

Assessment of Ocimum basilicum Essential Oil Anti-Insect Activity and Antimicrobial Protection in Fruit and Vegetable Quality

“…The postharvest research attracted a substantial scientific and industrial interest; it is focused on phytonutrients that primarily increase the nutritional value of fruit and vegetables in addition to the reduction of the losses during storage [46]. Basil EOs showed high activities against postharvest diseases caused by Fusarium fungi [47]. Previous research showed a significant inhibition of pathogenic molds B. cinerea and Mucor piriformis by sweet basil EOs documented in in vitro tests by EOs incorporation in media or in vapor [11].…”

Biological activities of basil essential oil: a review of the current evidence

“…Also, against pathogenic fungi such as A. niger, Mucor mucedo, Candida albicans, Alternaria alternata, Alternaria tenuissima, Aspergillus fumigatus, Fusarium solani, Botryodiplodia theobromae, and R. solani, the results obtained showed that basil has antimicrobial activity against all tested microorganisms (Ahmad et al, 2016;Hussain et al, 2008;Marco et al, 2020;Tavallali et al, 2019). Furthermore, other studies have also demonstrated the antimicrobial activity of basil against various bacteria, yeasts, and fungi (Kaya et al, 2008;Sunčica et al, 2011).…”

Antimicrobial and Other Pharmacological Properties of Ocimum basilicum, Lamiaceae

“…F. proliferatum and F. verticillioides had strong medium pigmentation. Microscopic examination of the samples showed hyphal deformations as well as frequent signs of fragmentation, thickening and decreased sporulation [ 53 ]. The crude methanol fraction of Ocimum basilicum was effective against eight different fungal strains.…”