Effect of oil extracted from some medicinal plants on different mycotoxigenic fungi

Essential oils of 12 medicinal plants were tested for inhibitory activity against Aspergillus favus, A. parasiticus, A. ochraceus and Fusarium moniliforme. The oils of thyme and cinnamon (less than or equal to500 ppm), marigold (less than or equal to2000 ppm), spearmint, basil, quyssum (3000 ppm) completely inhibit all the test fungi. Caraway was inhibitory at 2000 ppm against A. flavus, A. parasiticus and 3000 ppm against A. ochraceaus and F. moniliforme. A. favus, A. ochraceus, A. parasiticus and F. mouiliforme were completely inhibited by anise at less than or equal to500 ppm. However, chamomile and hazanbul at all concentrations were partially effective against the test toxigenic fungi. The results indicate that the test toxigenic fungi are sensitive to the 12 essential oils, and particularly sensitive to thyme and cinnamon. The results also showed that the essential oils of thyme, cinnamon, anise and spearmint have more effect on fungal development and subsequent mycotoxin production in wheat grains. The extent of inhibition of fungal growth and mycotoxin production was dependent on the concentration of essential oils used. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.