Antifungal Activity and Detoxification of Aflatoxins by Plant Extracts: Potential for Food Applications

Abstract

Aflatoxins are secondary metabolites produced by fungi of the genusAspergillus, which occur naturally in cereals like corn, beans and rice. Aflatoxin B1causes an extensive number of toxic effects in animals and humans. This mycotoxin is a stable term and can act in low concentrations due to their higher toxicity. Management to prevent commodities aflatoxin contamination is essential during the production, mainly in pre- and post-harvest steps. A number of essential oils and aqueous plant extracts have been reported to be fungal growth inhibitors and may provide an attractive alternative to prevent aflatoxin contamination in foods. Thus, the aim of this review is to highlight recent data on thein vitroantifungal activity of essential oils and aqueous extracts from plants and discuss the perspectives of their use in food products.

Mycoflora, aflatoxins, and antimicrobial properties of some Ghanaian local spices and herbs

“…Similarly, its effects on some fungal species including A. ochraceous and F. oxysporum have been reported (Beatovic et al, 2015; Kaya, Yigit, & Benli, 2008; Kocić‐Tanackov, Dimić, Lević, Tanackov, & Tuco, 2011). Ponzilacqua, Corassin, and Oliveira (2018) and Roquia (2012) studied the antifungal accomplishments of seven spice essential oils (EOs) against A. flavus and aflatoxin produced by A. flavus strains. The results showed that basil EO delayed the growth of A. flavus .…”

“…; Koci c-Tanackov, Dimi c,Levi c, Tanackov, & Tuco, 2011) Ponzilacqua, Corassin, and Oliveira (2018). andRoquia (2012) studied the antifungal accomplishments of seven spice essential oils (EOs) against A. flavus and aflatoxin produced by A. flavus strains.…”

The inhibitory Effect of different Ephedra plant extracts on the Aspergillus flavus growth and Aflatoxin B1 gene Expression

“…On the other hand, the decontamination of mycotoxins by natural products using plant extracts is one of the wellknown methods for controlling mycotoxins in foods and feed. Essential oils and aqueous plant extracts have been used as fungal growth inhibitors and to avoid contamination of aflatoxins in food (Abou El-Soud et al, 2012;Ponzilacqua et al, 2018;Deabes et al, 2020). The Ephedra species are widely used for their medicinal properties and considered as a potential antimicrobial substitution agent (Ehrlich, 2014;Elhadef et al, 2020a,b).…”

Chemical Composition and Bioactive Potential of Extracts from Diospyros capricornuta F. White against Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus

“…There is enough evidence that extracts of medicinal plants have strong antimicrobial properties against microbes such as aflatoxin-producing fungi (Selvi et al 2003, Sánchez et al 2005, Gorran et al 2013, Kaale et al 2020. In principle, bioactive compounds from the medicinal plant extracts have been reported to be "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS) by the United States Food and Drug Administration, renewable, biodegradable, and versatile to control aflatoxin contaminations (Njoki et al 2017, Ponzilacqua et al 2018.…”