Effect of spice essential oils on growth and aflatoxin B1 production by Aspergillus flavus

Aflatoxin B1 production by Aspergillus flavus was studied in yeast extract sucrose broth in the presence of cinnamon, clove, almond and cardamom oils. Growth and aflatoxin B1 production was inhibited by 0.5 mul cinnamon oil ml-1 medium and by 1 mul clove oil ml-1. Almond and cardamom oils only affected growth when their concentration exceeded 1.25 mul ml-1 medium. Aflatoxin B1 production was stimulated by 0.75 and 1 mul almond oil ml-1 medium or by 0.25 and 0.5 mul cardamom oil ml-1.