Abstract
Plant extracts and their constituents have a long history as antifungal agents, but their use in biotechnology as preservatives, due to the increasing resistance of fungi to fungicides, has been rarely reported. The aim of this study was to assess in vitro antifungal and antimycotoxigenic power of methanolic and aqueous extracts of Citrullus colocynthis seeds, an aromatic and medicinal plant, of Algerian flora, against two toxigenic species of the genera Aspergillus responsible of contamination of wheat stored. The antifungal and antimycotoxigenic activity of methanolic and aqueous extracts were screened against Aspergillus ochraceus and Aspergillus flavus. Dillution method was used to investigate the antimicrobial and antimycotoxigenic activity. These bioassays are preceded by a phytochemical screening. The phytochemical analysis of seeds extracts revealed the presence of some chemical groups (polyphenols, steroids and alkaloids) which can express the desired activities. The results suggest that the extracts showed a very good antifungal activity against A. ochraceus, but for A. flavus any antifungal activity was recorded. The extracts have good antiochratoxigenic power in liquid medium. This evaluation confirms that the extracts of C. colocynthis seeds used at low concentration may have significant potential for biological control of fungi and theirs toxins. Key words: Citrullus colocynthis, methanolic extract, aqueous extract, phytochemical screening, antifungal activity, antimycotoxigenic activity, antiochratoxigenic activity.
Highlights
Fungi are the main infectious agents in plants, causing alterations during developmental stages including postharvest
The results suggest that the extracts showed a very good antifungal activity against A. ochraceus, but for A. flavus any antifungal activity was recorded
The objective of this work is to demonstrate the antifungal, antiaflatoxigenic and antiochratoxigenic effect of methanol and aqueous extracts of C. colocynthis seeds, after determining their chemical composition, against two toxigenic fungal strains namely: A. flavus and A. ochraceus isolated from wheat stored
Summary
Fungi are the main infectious agents in plants, causing alterations during developmental stages including postharvest. Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by five fungal genera namely Aspergillus, Penicillium, Fusarium, Alternaria and Claviceps, they are synthesized under favorable conditions of temperature and humidity. They may be developed in several stages, in the field before harvest, during storage and even in the production chain (Petzinger and Weindenbach, 2002). These toxic substances are carcinogenic, nephrotoxic, hepatotoxic and immunosuppressive (Dellavalle et al, 2011; Korhonen et al, 2012).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
