Control of aflatoxigenic strains by Cinnamomum porrectum essential oil.

Essential oil from the bark of Cinnamomum porrectum (Roxb.) Kosterm was obtained by hydrodistillation using a Clevenger-type system for 3 h and identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The compounds were safrole (93.9%), elemicine (4.3%) and methyl eugenol (1.7%). The effect of essential oil on mycelial growth, sporulation, and aflatoxin B1 production of Aspergillus parasiticus IMI 283883 and Aspergillus flavus IMI 242684 was evaluated using contact and vapor treatments. Aflatoxin B1 was determined using the Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The results showed that C. porrectum (Roxb.) Kosterm essential oil at concentrations more than 200 ppm exhibited inhibition effect on mycelial growth, sporulation, and aflatoxin B1 production of both Aspergillus strains as compared with control. The fumigation activities via vapor treatment showed higher inhibition than contact treatment. This study suggests that C. porrectum (Roxb.) Kosterm essential oil represents a good alternative in eco-friendly control of aflatoxigenic strain on food and agricultural commodities.