title: The inhibitory effects of Curcuma longa L. essential oil and curcumin on Aspergillus flavus link growth and morphology.
abstract: The essential oil from Curcuma longa L. was analysed by GC/MS. The major components of the oil were ar-turmerone (33.2%), α -turmerone (23.5%) and β -turmerone (22.7%). The antifungal activities of the oil were studied with regard to Aspergillus flavus growth inhibition and altered morphology, as preliminary studies indicated that the essential oil from C. longa inhibited Aspergillus flavus Link aflatoxin production. The concentration of essential oil in the culture media ranged from 0.01% to 5.0% v/v, and the concentration of curcumin was 0.01-0.5% v/v. The effects on sporulation, spore viability, and fungal morphology were determined. The essential oil exhibited stronger antifungal activity than curcumin on A. flavus. The essential oil reduced the fungal growth in a concentration-dependent manner. A. flavus growth rate was reduced by C. longa essential oil at 0.10%, and this inhibition effect was more efficient in concentrations above 0.50%. Germination and sporulation were 100% inhibited in 0.5% oil. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of A. flavus exposed to oil showed damage to hyphae membranes and conidiophores. Because the fungus is a plant pathogen and aflatoxin producer, C. longa essential oil may be used in the management of host plants.
authors.affiliation: Department of Basic Health Sciences, State University of Maringa, 87020-900 Maringá, PR, Brazil.
authors.forename: Flávio
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Dias Ferreira
authors.affiliation: Department of Basic Health Sciences, State University of Maringa, 87020-900 Maringá, PR, Brazil.
authors.forename: Simone Aparecida Galerani
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Mossini
authors.affiliation: Department of Basic Health Sciences, State University of Maringa, 87020-900 Maringá, PR, Brazil.
authors.forename: Francine Maery
authors.initials: FM
authors.lastname: Dias Ferreira
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry, State University of Maringa, 87020-900 Maringá, PR, Brazil.
authors.forename: Carla Cristina
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Arrotéia
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry, State University of Maringa, 87020-900 Maringá, PR, Brazil.
authors.forename: Christiane Luciana
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: da Costa
authors.affiliation: Department of Basic Health Sciences, State University of Maringa, 87020-900 Maringá, PR, Brazil.
authors.forename: Celso Vataru
authors.initials: CV
authors.lastname: Nakamura
authors.affiliation: Department of Basic Health Sciences, State University of Maringa, 87020-900 Maringá, PR, Brazil.
authors.forename: Miguel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Machinski
mesh_terms: D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D001231:Aspergillus flavus / Q000166:cytology* / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development*; D049109:Cell Proliferation / Q000187:drug effects; D048429:Cell Size / Q000187:drug effects; D030024:Curcuma / Q000737:chemistry*; D003474:Curcumin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D009822:Oils, Volatile / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010938:Plant Oils / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D009822:Oils, Volatile; D010938:Plant Oils; D003474:Curcumin