Screening of Essential Oils of Angiospermic Plants for Their Fungitoxicity against Aspergillus Flavus and Aspergillus Niger

Essential oils obtained from plants have recently gained a great scientific interest as a potent source of antimicrobials of natural origin. The present study highlights the antifungal activity of essential oils against Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus niger. During screening of essential oils of six selected Angiospermic plants at 2000 ppm (mg/l) against the test fungus, Mentha arvensis and Citrus aurantifolia, being most effective was selected for further study. The selected oils were subsequently standardized through physicochemical and fungitoxic properties. The MIC values of Mentha arvensis and Citrus aurantifolia were found to be 1000 and 2000 ppm (mg/l) respectively. Fungitoxicity of both oils represents fungicidal, as well as fungistatic behavior at their respective MIC(s). Study also revealed that oil of Mentha arvensis and Citrus aurantifoila are highly thermo stable (up to 80oC) and had the potency to withstand high inoculum density. The fungitoxicity of both the oils remained unaltered up to 180-210 days at room temperature. The antifungal potency of oils was found greater when compared with some prevalent synthetic commercial fungicides. Therefore oils could be recommended as a potential source of ecofriendly herbal fungicide and might have role as pharmaceutical and preservatives.