Effects of Aqueous Extracts and Essential Oils of Mentha and Satureja on the Aflatoxin B1 Production by Aspergillus flavus

Abstract Background: Aflatoxins are natural fungal toxins produced by Aspergillus species such as A. flavus. The toxins are poisoning and can cause tissue necrosis and liver cancer. The aim of this study was to determine the control of Aflatoxin B1 production by extracts and essential oils. Materials and Methods: Aqueous extracts were prepared by heating and essential oil by Clevenger's apparatus. Antifungal activity of essential oil and aqueous extract of Mentha pulegium and Satureja hortensis were determined by disc diffusion and microplate dilution methods. Production control of Aflatoxin B1 was investigated with concentrations under MIC(Minimum inhibitory growth concentration) of two materials and were determined by HPLC method. Results: The most zone of inhibition was 10% belonging to Satureja essential oil and its aqueous extracts with diameters of 26mm and 12mm, respectively. These values for Mentha extract and 10% essential oil were 18mm and 8mm respectively. MIC of the aqueous extract of Satureja and Mentha were 0.031 and 0.063mg/ml respectively, and 1% essential oil of two materials was 0.039 and 0.078 mg/ml, respectively. Aflatoxin B1 produced by A. flavus in concentrations of 1%, 2% and 10% Satureja essential oil were 122, 113 and 134 ppb, in 1%, 2% and 10% Mentha were 163, 168 and 171 ppb, respectively. The aqueous extracts of 1% Satureja reduced the production of toxin as 58.1 and the 1% aqueous extract of Mentha as 39.6. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that both Satureja hortensis and Mentha pulegium have the ability to inhibit the growth of Aspergillus flavus fungus, as well as control of aflatoxin B1 production in low concentrations and recommended for further studies.