Vaccinium myrtillus L. dry leaf aqueous extracts suppress aflatoxins biosynthesis by Aspergillus flavus. (February 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Vamvakas, Sotirios - Spyridon; Chroni, Myrsini; Genneos, Fotios; Gizeli, Stavroula
• Is Part Of: Food bioscience. Volume 39(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-02
• Subjects: Aspergillus flavus -- Vaccinium myrtillus L. leaf extracts -- Bilberry -- Anti-aflatoxigenic effect; Food -- Biotechnology -- Periodicals; Food -- Research -- Periodicals; Aliments -- Biotecnologia -- Revistes; Aliments -- Investigació -- Revistes; Food -- Biotechnology; Food -- Research; Revistes electròniques; Periodicals; 664.005
• DOI: 10.1016/j.fbio.2020.100790
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2212-4292

Abstract

Abstract: The effect of methanolic and aqueous extracts of bilberry leaves on the growth of Aspergillus flavus and on its ability to synthesize aflatoxins was studied. Both extracts could inhibit aflatoxins' biosynthesis by A. flavus grown in either a rich or minimal media. Aqueous extracts were more efficient, at totally inhibiting aflatoxins biosynthesis at ~2.8 and 2.2 mg/ml for aflatoxins B1 and B2, respectively, in rich medium, whereas in minimal medium the respective values were 625 and 313 μg/ml. Methanolic extracts were less efficient, as they did not completely inhibit the biosynthesis even at higher concentrations of the extract. The results suggested that bilberry leaves may contain substances that can be used as natural food additives. Highlights: Either methanolic or aqueous bilberry leaf extracts do not affect Aspergillus flavus growth. Both methanolic and aqueous extracts could inhibit aflatoxin production in rich and minimal medium. Aqueous extracts had a stronger anti -aflatoxigenic effect than the methanolic ones. Half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50 ) for aflatoxin biosynthesis was determined.