Inhibitory effects of anethole and eugenol on the growth and toxin production of Aspergillus parasiticus.

The antifungal and antiaflatoxigenic activity of anethole and eugenol which are active components of commonly used spices was studied against two strains of Aspergillus parasiticus. Anethole, up to concentration of 400 micrograms/ml where complete inhibition was observed, delayed growth and reduced mycelial weight but it showed a stimulative effect on the toxin production of both strains. At a concentration of 300 micrograms/ml, eugenol inhibited the growth of both strains; levels of eugenol below 200 micrograms/ml enhanced production of aflatoxin particularly by A. parasiticus NRRL 299.