Efficacy of Lawsonia inermis Linn. and Eucalyptus citriodora Hook. Extracts as Inhibitors of Growth and Enzymatic Activity of Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus

Abstract

Present study illustrates the inhibitory effect of acetone and petroleum ether extract of Lawsonia inermis and Eucalyptus citriodora leaves respectively on protein, carbohydrate and lipid content and enzyme (protease, α amylase and lipase) production and growth of Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus. A high reduction in total protein, carbohydrate and lipid content was observed after treatment of fungal cultures with extracts. Similarly inhibition of enzymatic activities was observed in test fungi treated with leaves extracts as compared with untreated fungal cultures. Petroleum ether extract of E. citriodora leaves was toxic to both test fungi at lower concentration in comparison to acetone extract of L. inermis leaves. The synergism of both leaf extracts was also tested and the findings showed the significance of synergism as the MIC and MFC of mixture of both leaf extracts was found in very low concentration as compared to individual extract. Remarkable reduction in the enzymatic activities reveals the significance of both extracts and their mixture in suppression of pathogenecity of both test fungi.