Inhibition of Aflatoxin B1 by Aqueous extract from Green Cardamom

Abstract

Aflatoxin B1 is a secondary metabolite produced by Aspergillus section Flavi during their development, is one of the most dangerous mycotoxins identified to date, that may contaminate many commodities, especially in tropical and sub-tropical regions. Aflatoxin B1 is believed to be the most essential member of this family of mycotoxins, due to its carcinogenic properties in humans and animals. However, there are many strategies to prevent mycotoxin contamination in which some of them are based on the use of natural compounds that may able to minimize the toxin synthesis pathways. Aims: The current work aimed to identify specific compounds from Green Cardamom that expected to interfere with aflatoxin production pathway. Methodology: The adapted method was based on the incubation of fungal culture with different concentrations of the aqueous extraction of Green Cardamom. Results: The aqueous extract of Green Cardamom was able to inhibit Fungal growth and Aflatoxin B1 production  by the toxigenic strain of Aspergillus Flavus in a dose-dependent manner. Discussion: the reduction of Aflatoxin B1 production was significantly higher (94.34%)  in comparison with other plant extracts such as Caffeine (50%), and reduced fungal growth with an average of (4%) compared to control.  Conclusion: Aqueous Extracts of Green Cardamom show an obvious reduction in inhibition synthesis of Aflatoxin B1 by toxigenic Aspergillus strain, the adapted method was effective, but even further investigation is still recommended.