EFFECT OF THE ROOTS EXTRACT FROM Heliopsis longipes ON Aspergillus parasiticus GROWTH

Abstract

The organic extracts from Heliopsis longipes roots possess interesting biological and pharmacological activities. However, the effect on Aspergillus parasiticus has not been investigated so far. This study was aimed to evaluate the antifungal effect of the ethanolic extract from H. longipes roots against A. parasiticus growth. Four extract concentrations, 50, 75, 150 and 200 μg/mL were evaluated for antifungal effect, and the anti-aflatoxigenic assay was tested at 150 and 200 μg/mL. The minimal inhibitory concentration that inhibited 50 and 99% of growth (MIC50 and MIC99) were determined. Ethanolic extract was characterized by GC-EIMS analysis and its main bioactive compounds were identified. All tested concentrations inhibit the radial growth of A. parasiticus and the MIC50 and MIC99 were 116.94 and 1593.98 μg/mL, respectively. These results showed the first evidence of the antifungal effect of H. longipes on the radial growth and spore germination rate of this pathogenic fungus. The antifungal activity of H. longipes extract was attributed to affinin (7.24 ± 0.13 mg/g of fresh tissue), the most abundant alkamide detected by GC-EIMS analysis. Although, the extract did not inhibit the aflatoxins´ production, it can be used to prevent A. parasiticus growth before the mycotoxins production occur. Therefore, the extract has potential as natural antifungal agent against A. parasiticus contamination.