Evaluation of inhibitory activity of Embaúba (Cecropia pachystachya) extract agaisnt Aspergillus flavus growth and aflatoxins production

Abstract

The aim of the project is to evaluate the in vitro inibitory activity of Embaúba (Cecropia pachystachya) extract against Aspergillus flavus growth and production of aflatoxins B1 and B2. The extract from the plant will be prepared by distillation and lyophilization, followed by filtration after dilution to obtain different concentrations. Then, a spore suspension will be prepared from a cepa of Aspergillus flavus that produces aflatoxin. The evaluation of fungal growth inhibition will be performed by disc diffusion method using different extract concentrations. The minimal inhibitory concentration against fungal growth will be also evaluated. The inhibition of aflatoxins B1 and B2 production will be evaluated by thin layer chromatography. Thus, results will allow verify the capacity of Embaúba extract on prevent fungal growth and aflatoxins production.(AU)