Comparative effects of allyl and methyl isothiocyanates on aflatoxin production and growth of Aspergillus flavus

Abstract

  The study to evaluate the effects of isothiocyanate compounds (ITCs) on the production of aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) by an aflatoxigenic fungus was conducted. Allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) and methyl isothiocyanate (MITC) were tested for the inhibitory effects on the growth and AFB₁ production of an Aspergillus flavus strain. ITCs diluted with dimethyl sulfoxide were administered in a liquid medium containing spores of A. flavus in triplicates. Adding ITCs decreased concentration of AFB₁ in medium after cultivation in a dose-dependent manner. These effects were more potent than those caused by caffeine, one of the well-known inhibitors of AFs production. Furthermore, among two ITCs, MITC was more potent than AITC. It is well-known that ITCs are included in certain family of Brassicaceae and Cleomaceae as natural volatiles, respectively. Thus, they may become one of new tools to control AFs by plants.