title: Mechanisms of antifungal and anti-aflatoxigenic properties of essential oil derived from turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) on Aspergillus flavus.
abstract: The antifungal activity and potential mechanisms in vitro as well as anti-aflatoxigenic efficiency in vivo of natural essential oil (EO) derived from turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) against Aspergillus flavus was intensively investigated. Based on the previous chemical characterization of turmeric EO by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, the substantially antifungal activities of turmeric EO on the mycelial growth, spore germination and aflatoxin production were observed in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, these antifungal effects were related to the disruption of fungal cell endomembrane system including the plasma membrane and mitochondria, specifically i.e. the inhibition of ergosterol synthesis, mitochondrial ATPase, malate dehydrogenase, and succinate dehydrogenase activities. Moreover, the down-regulation profiles of turmeric EO on the relative expression of mycotoxin genes in aflatoxin biosynthetic pathway revealed its anti-aflatoxigenic mechanism. Finally, the suppression effect of fungal contamination in maize indicated that turmeric EO has potential as an eco-friendly antifungal agent.
authors.affiliation: School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, PR China; Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100193, PR China.
authors.forename: Yichen
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Hu
authors.affiliation: School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, PR China.
authors.forename: Jinming
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.affiliation: Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100193, PR China.
authors.forename: Weijun
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Kong
authors.affiliation: School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, PR China.
authors.forename: Gang
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Zhao
authors.affiliation: Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100193, PR China. Electronic address: yangmeihua15@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: Meihua
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Yang
mesh_terms: D000348:Aflatoxins / Q000096:biosynthesis; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001231:Aspergillus flavus / Q000187:drug effects*; D030024:Curcuma; D015536:Down-Regulation / Q000187:drug effects; D008401:Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; D009822:Oils, Volatile / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D000348:Aflatoxins; D000935:Antifungal Agents; D009822:Oils, Volatile; D010936:Plant Extracts
keywords: Aflatoxin; Antifungal; Aspergillus flavus; Essential oil; Turmeric