Efficacy of Cassia alata Leaves Powder on Inhibition of Aspergillus flavus Growth and Aflatoxin Production

C. Arunachalam

¹Department of Botany and Microbiology, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Corresponding Author E-mail: dr.arunmicro@gmail.com

ABSTRACT: Aflatoxin, a toxin produced by the fungus Aspergillus flavus Link: Fries, occurs naturally in maize (Zea mays L.). Aflatoxin is a potent human carcinogen and is also toxic to livestock, pets, and wildlife. When contaminated with aflatoxin, the value of maize grain is markedly reduced. In the present study, an attempt was made to evaluate the inhibition of Aspergillus flavus growth and aflatoxin production with using Cassia alata. The experimental design was elevated using T1 (control, Healthy maize), T2 (Healthy maize+Aspergillus flavus, T3 (Healthy maize + Aspergillus flavus + Plant powder), T4 (Healthy maize + Plant powder). The healthy samples were inoculated artificially with A. flavus and treated maize seeds were stored at room temperature in airtight polyethylene bags till analysis. This stored maize was taken on 3rd, 6th, 9th and 12th (3 month interval) month after treatment for analysis of aflatoxin production and growth of Aspergillus flavus. Isolated colonies of A. flavus was identified based on the cultural, morphological and biochemical characteristics. Further, 10% concentration the Cassia alata leaves powder delayed the growth of A. ûavus and complete inhibition was observed upto 120 days. The aflatoxin production was observed in HPTLC and the highest percentage reduction inT3 compare other treatments. Hence, the present study was concluded that the antifungal effects of the plant powder observed and has a potential for use as a aflatoxin inhibitor.

KEYWORDS: Aflatoxin; Aspergillus flavus; Cassia alata; Maize; HPTLC

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