Evaluation of antifungal activity of natural compounds on growth and aflatoxin B1 production of Aspergillus parasiticus and Aspergillus flavus

Background Aspergillus species cause broad spectrum infections especially invasive lethal infections in immunocompromised patients. This study aimed to assess the antifungal activity of plants and compounds including Aloe vera , Thyme , carvacrol, and nano-encapsulation of carvacrol on the growth and production of aflatoxin B1 production by Aspergillus parasiticus and Aspergillus flavus . Methods and results Minimum inhibitory concentrations of extracts Aloe vera , Thyme , carvacrol, and nanocarvacrol, and fluconazole as a control were determined according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute by serial microdilution protocol. Then, the effect of inhibitory concentrations of these compounds on the aflatoxin B1 production level was evaluated by real-time PCR and high-performance liquid chromatography. Our results indicate that the Aspergillus parasiticus and Aspergillus flavus are sensitive to selected plants and compounds. Conclusion Our findings showed that the compounds are appropriate alternative candidates against growth and production of aflatoxin of Aspergillus spp.