97-100The study deals with fungal contamination of stony endocarp (Rudraksha) of Elaeocarpus spp.... more 97-100The study deals with fungal contamination of stony endocarp (Rudraksha) of Elaeocarpus spp. collected from India, Nepal and Indonesia. For mycological analysis, the agar test method including surface sterilized and non surface sterilized samples were used. Eight species belonging to four different genera of fungi were isolated. The genera isolated were Aspergillus (four species), Penicillium (two species), Alternaria (one species) and Rhizopus (one species). The study emphasizes that fungal contamination would deteriorate the quality of stony endocarp (Rudraksha) <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight:bold;mso-bidi-font-style: italic">of Elaeocarpus spp. and also affect its marketing. This is the first record of mycoflora study from stony endocarp (Rudraksha) of Elaeocarpus sphaericus (Gaertn.) K. Schum. from India and Nepal and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">E. ganitrus Roxb. from Indonesia. </span
The study deals with fungal contamination of stony endocarp (Rudraksha) of Elaeocarpus spp. colle... more The study deals with fungal contamination of stony endocarp (Rudraksha) of Elaeocarpus spp. collected from India, Nepal and Indonesia. For mycological analysis, the agar test method including surface sterilized and non surface sterilized samples were used. Eight species belonging to four different genera of fungi were isolated. The genera isolated were Aspergillus (four species), Penicillium (two species), Alternaria (one species) and Rhizopus (one species). The study emphasizes that fungal contamination would deteriorate the quality of stony endocarp (Rudraksha) of Elaeocarpus spp. and also affect its marketing. This is the first record of mycoflora study from stony endocarp (Rudraksha) of Elaeocarpus sphaericus (Gaertn.) K. Schum. from India and Nepal and E. ganitrus Roxb. from Indonesia.
ABSTRACT The study reports efficacy of Trachyspermum ammi fruit essential oil (EO) as plant based... more ABSTRACT The study reports efficacy of Trachyspermum ammi fruit essential oil (EO) as plant based preservative in food system. GC–MS analysis of EO identified cymene as chief component (76.27%) followed by thymol (13.30%), dl-limonene (3.23%), 1,8-cineole (2.58%) and γ-terpinene (1.68%). The minimum inhibitory (MIC) and minimum aflatoxin inhibitory concentrations (MAIC) of EO were 0.8 and 0.6 μL/mL, respectively, against Aspergillus flavus LHP(C)-D6. Among EO components, thymol showed the highest antifungal and antiaflatoxigenic activity suggesting synergistic mode of action of EO components. Microscopic observations at sub lethal and lethal concentrations of EO using SEM and TEM revealed its mode of action on fungal plasma membrane causing considerable reduction in ergosterol quantity and increased leakages of Ca+2, K+ and Mg+2 from EO treated A. flavus cells. The EO completely inhibited aflatoxin B1 production in wheat and chickpea as analyzed through HPLC and caused no toxicity in seed viability. The LD50 of EO was 6620.43 μL/kg for oral-toxicity on mice and IC50 was 0.467 μL/mL through DPPH analysis. The ajowan EO may thus be formulated as safe plant based preservative for enhancement of shelf life of food items.
The study reports potential of Cuminum cyminum (cumin) seed essential oil (EO) as a plant based s... more The study reports potential of Cuminum cyminum (cumin) seed essential oil (EO) as a plant based shelf life enhancer against fungal and aflatoxin contamination and lipid peroxidation. The EO showed efficacy as a preservative in food systems (stored wheat and chickpeas). A total of 1230 fungal isolates were obtained from food samples, with Aspergillus flavus LHP(C)-D6 identified as the highest aflatoxin producer. Cumin seed EO was chemically characterized through GC-MS where cymene (47.08%) was found as the major component. The minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum aflatoxin inhibitory concentration of EO were 0.6 and 0.5 μl/ml respectively. The EO showed toxicity against a broad spectrum of food borne fungi. The antifungal action of EO on ergosterol content in the plasma membrane of A. flavus was determined. The EO showed strong antioxidant potential having IC50 0.092 μl/ml. As a fumigant in food systems, the EO provided sufficient protection of food samples against fungal association without affecting seed germination. In view of the antifungal and antiaflatoxigenic nature, free radical scavenging potential and efficacy in food system, cumin seed EO may be able to provide protection of food commodities against quantitative and qualitative losses, thereby enhancing their shelf life. The present investigation comprises the first report on antifungal mode of action of cumin seed EO and its efficacy as fumigant in food systems.
Indian Journal of Natural Products and Resources, 2014
The study deals with fungal contamination of stony endocarp (Rudraksha) of Elaeocarpus spp. colle... more The study deals with fungal contamination of stony endocarp (Rudraksha) of Elaeocarpus spp. collected from India, Nepal and Indonesia. For mycological analysis, the agar test method including surface sterilized and non surface sterilized samples were used. Eight species belonging to four different genera of fungi were isolated. The genera isolated were Aspergillus (four species), Penicillium (two species), Alternaria (one species) and Rhizopus (one species). The study emphasizes that fungal contamination would deteriorate the quality of stony endocarp (Rudraksha) of Elaeocarpus spp . and also affect its marketing. This is the first record of mycoflora study from stony endocarp (Rudraksha) of Elaeocarpus sphaericus (Gaertn.) K. Schum. from India and Nepal and E. ganitrus Roxb. from Indonesia.
This commentary deals with recommendation of essential oils of selected traditionally used aromat... more This commentary deals with recommendation of essential oils of selected traditionally used aromatic plants as shelf life enhancer of herbal raw materials in view of their efficacy to protect them from microbial and mycotoxin contaminations and oxidative deteriorations during post-harvest processing. Such documentation of pharmacological efficacy of traditionally used aromatic plants would be also helpful in bioprospection of plant diversity against the act of biopiracy.
Microbes are the biggest shareholder for the quantitative and qualitative deterioration of food c... more Microbes are the biggest shareholder for the quantitative and qualitative deterioration of food commodities at different stages of production, transportation, and storage, along with the secretion of toxic secondary metabolites. Indiscriminate application of synthetic preservatives may develop resistance in microbial strains and associated complications in human health with broad-spectrum environmental non-sustainability. The application of essential oils (EOs) as a natural antimicrobial and their efficacy for the preservation of foods has been of present interest and growing consumer demand in the current generation. However, the loss in bioactivity of EOs from fluctuating environmental conditions is a major limitation during their practical application, which could be overcome by encapsulating them in a suitable biodegradable and biocompatible polymer matrix with enhancement to their efficacy and stability. Among different nanoencapsulated systems, nanoemulsions effectively contri...
Nanomaterials in Plants, Algae, and Microorganisms
Abstract This chapter discusses the application of nanotechnology to develop plant essential oil ... more Abstract This chapter discusses the application of nanotechnology to develop plant essential oil (EO)-based systems to accomplish eco-friendly means for controlling pests causing spoilage of food items during postharvest storage. The various types of techniques to formulate EO-loaded microcapsules are described, together with different carrier systems and their potential uses. The advantages and disadvantages offered by each technique and carrier system are presented to facilitate selection of the appropriate nanoencapsulation method according to a particular demand. Furthermore, the characterization of EO-loaded microcapsules that must be examined before large-scale implementation to food and agriculture industries has been discussed. The use of EO-based microcapsules offers advantages such as minimum reactivity with environmental factors, decreased evaporation rate, enhanced handling ability, uniform distribution of EO with very small amounts, and safe delivery at the right time, while reducing environmental damage and negative impacts on human health.
Plant Biosystems - An International Journal Dealing with all Aspects of Plant Biology
Abstract The study reports fungal biodeterioration of herbal raw materials of Adhatoda vasica Nee... more Abstract The study reports fungal biodeterioration of herbal raw materials of Adhatoda vasica Nees and Withania somnifera Dunal and assessment of Abelmoschus moschatus Medik seed essential oil (AMEO) as antifungal, antiaflatoxigenic, and antioxidant. Seven fungal species belonging to three genera were isolated from Adhatoda vasica leaves and Withania somnifera roots. The minimum inhibitory, fungicidal, and aflatoxin inhibitory concentrations of AMEO were found to be 1750, 5000, and 1250 ppm, respectively, against A. flavus LHP-WS-1, isolated from W. somnifera. The effect of AMEO over ergosterol content in the plasma membrane was assessed to test the mode of action on A. flavus. AMEO also exhibited broad fungitoxicity at its minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and strong antioxidant property through 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) analysis having IC50 value equal to 0.325 μL/mL. In view of strong antifungal, antiaflatoxigenic, and antioxidant activity, the AMEO may be recommended as botanical preservative for herbal raw materials in order to enhance their shelf life and to maintain their quality.
The present study reports in vivo antifungal and antiaflatoxigenic efficacy of Mentha spicata ess... more The present study reports in vivo antifungal and antiaflatoxigenic efficacy of Mentha spicata essential oil (EO) against toxigenic Aspergillus flavus strain LHP(C)-D6 in chickpea food system up to 12 months of storage. In addition, the mode of antifungal action of EO was also determined to understand the mechanism of fungal growth inhibition. The in vivo study with different concentrations of M. spicata EO showed dose-dependent decrease in fungal colony count as well as aflatoxin B1 concentration. The EO caused &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;50 % protection in inoculated sets and &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;70 % protection in uninoculated sets of chickpea food system against A. flavus at 1.0 μL mL(-1) air concentration. However, at the same concentration, EO caused 100 % inhibition to aflatoxin B1 production in both sets when analyzed through high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The antifungal target of EO in fumigated cells of A. flavus was found to be the plasma membrane when analyzed through electron microscopic observations and ions leakage test. The EO fumigated chickpea seeds showed 100 % seed germination and seedling growth after 12 months of storage. Based on these observations, M. spicata EO can be recommended as plant-based preservative for safe protection of food commodities during storage conditions against fungal and most importantly mycotoxin contaminations.
To report fungal and aflatoxin contamination in stored tobacco leaves and potential of Foeniculum... more To report fungal and aflatoxin contamination in stored tobacco leaves and potential of Foeniculum vulgare (fennel) seed essential oil (EO) as plant based preservative in protection of tobacco during storage. Mycological analysis of tobacco samples was done by surface sterilization and serial dilution tests. The Aspergillus flavus isolates were screened for their toxigenicity. Both in vivo and in vitro tests were done to evaluate antifungal and antiaflatoxigenic efficacy of chemically characterized EO. The mycoflora analysis revealed 108 fungal colonies belonging to 5 genera and 9 species. All A. flavus isolates were found aflatoxigenic during screening. GC-MS analysis of EO identified 19 components (99.66%); estragole being the major component (47.49%). The EO showed broad fungitoxicity at 1.25 μl ml-1 and 100% inhibition to AFB1 production as well as ergosterol synthesis at 1.0 μl ml-1 concentration. EO showed 100% protection of stored tobacco samples from aflatoxin B1 contaminatio...
International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation, 2015
ABSTRACT The study reports the qualitative degradation of raw materials of Andrographis paniculat... more ABSTRACT The study reports the qualitative degradation of raw materials of Andrographis paniculata during storage due to fungal and aflatoxin contamination and its control by essential oils (EOs) of Caesulia axillaris, Cymbopogon khasans and Cymbopogon martinii. The finger print profile of the herbal raw materials through high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) revealed the significant degradation of andrographolide content (the major active component) due to fungal and aflatoxin contamination. The three EOs showed potent preservative effects during fumigation in storage containers providing 71.93%, 93.86% and 88.60% protection of herbal raw materials respectively from fungal contamination. The EOs were found to control the degradation of the active component of A. paniculata as well as reduce aflatoxin produced by toxigenic Aspergillus flavus. The EOs may increase the shelf life of raw materials of A. paniculata by controlling fungal and aflatoxin contamination as well as active component degradation during post harvest storage.
97-100The study deals with fungal contamination of stony endocarp (Rudraksha) of Elaeocarpus spp.... more 97-100The study deals with fungal contamination of stony endocarp (Rudraksha) of Elaeocarpus spp. collected from India, Nepal and Indonesia. For mycological analysis, the agar test method including surface sterilized and non surface sterilized samples were used. Eight species belonging to four different genera of fungi were isolated. The genera isolated were Aspergillus (four species), Penicillium (two species), Alternaria (one species) and Rhizopus (one species). The study emphasizes that fungal contamination would deteriorate the quality of stony endocarp (Rudraksha) <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight:bold;mso-bidi-font-style: italic">of Elaeocarpus spp. and also affect its marketing. This is the first record of mycoflora study from stony endocarp (Rudraksha) of Elaeocarpus sphaericus (Gaertn.) K. Schum. from India and Nepal and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">E. ganitrus Roxb. from Indonesia. </span
The study deals with fungal contamination of stony endocarp (Rudraksha) of Elaeocarpus spp. colle... more The study deals with fungal contamination of stony endocarp (Rudraksha) of Elaeocarpus spp. collected from India, Nepal and Indonesia. For mycological analysis, the agar test method including surface sterilized and non surface sterilized samples were used. Eight species belonging to four different genera of fungi were isolated. The genera isolated were Aspergillus (four species), Penicillium (two species), Alternaria (one species) and Rhizopus (one species). The study emphasizes that fungal contamination would deteriorate the quality of stony endocarp (Rudraksha) of Elaeocarpus spp. and also affect its marketing. This is the first record of mycoflora study from stony endocarp (Rudraksha) of Elaeocarpus sphaericus (Gaertn.) K. Schum. from India and Nepal and E. ganitrus Roxb. from Indonesia.
ABSTRACT The study reports efficacy of Trachyspermum ammi fruit essential oil (EO) as plant based... more ABSTRACT The study reports efficacy of Trachyspermum ammi fruit essential oil (EO) as plant based preservative in food system. GC–MS analysis of EO identified cymene as chief component (76.27%) followed by thymol (13.30%), dl-limonene (3.23%), 1,8-cineole (2.58%) and γ-terpinene (1.68%). The minimum inhibitory (MIC) and minimum aflatoxin inhibitory concentrations (MAIC) of EO were 0.8 and 0.6 μL/mL, respectively, against Aspergillus flavus LHP(C)-D6. Among EO components, thymol showed the highest antifungal and antiaflatoxigenic activity suggesting synergistic mode of action of EO components. Microscopic observations at sub lethal and lethal concentrations of EO using SEM and TEM revealed its mode of action on fungal plasma membrane causing considerable reduction in ergosterol quantity and increased leakages of Ca+2, K+ and Mg+2 from EO treated A. flavus cells. The EO completely inhibited aflatoxin B1 production in wheat and chickpea as analyzed through HPLC and caused no toxicity in seed viability. The LD50 of EO was 6620.43 μL/kg for oral-toxicity on mice and IC50 was 0.467 μL/mL through DPPH analysis. The ajowan EO may thus be formulated as safe plant based preservative for enhancement of shelf life of food items.
The study reports potential of Cuminum cyminum (cumin) seed essential oil (EO) as a plant based s... more The study reports potential of Cuminum cyminum (cumin) seed essential oil (EO) as a plant based shelf life enhancer against fungal and aflatoxin contamination and lipid peroxidation. The EO showed efficacy as a preservative in food systems (stored wheat and chickpeas). A total of 1230 fungal isolates were obtained from food samples, with Aspergillus flavus LHP(C)-D6 identified as the highest aflatoxin producer. Cumin seed EO was chemically characterized through GC-MS where cymene (47.08%) was found as the major component. The minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum aflatoxin inhibitory concentration of EO were 0.6 and 0.5 μl/ml respectively. The EO showed toxicity against a broad spectrum of food borne fungi. The antifungal action of EO on ergosterol content in the plasma membrane of A. flavus was determined. The EO showed strong antioxidant potential having IC50 0.092 μl/ml. As a fumigant in food systems, the EO provided sufficient protection of food samples against fungal association without affecting seed germination. In view of the antifungal and antiaflatoxigenic nature, free radical scavenging potential and efficacy in food system, cumin seed EO may be able to provide protection of food commodities against quantitative and qualitative losses, thereby enhancing their shelf life. The present investigation comprises the first report on antifungal mode of action of cumin seed EO and its efficacy as fumigant in food systems.
Indian Journal of Natural Products and Resources, 2014
The study deals with fungal contamination of stony endocarp (Rudraksha) of Elaeocarpus spp. colle... more The study deals with fungal contamination of stony endocarp (Rudraksha) of Elaeocarpus spp. collected from India, Nepal and Indonesia. For mycological analysis, the agar test method including surface sterilized and non surface sterilized samples were used. Eight species belonging to four different genera of fungi were isolated. The genera isolated were Aspergillus (four species), Penicillium (two species), Alternaria (one species) and Rhizopus (one species). The study emphasizes that fungal contamination would deteriorate the quality of stony endocarp (Rudraksha) of Elaeocarpus spp . and also affect its marketing. This is the first record of mycoflora study from stony endocarp (Rudraksha) of Elaeocarpus sphaericus (Gaertn.) K. Schum. from India and Nepal and E. ganitrus Roxb. from Indonesia.
This commentary deals with recommendation of essential oils of selected traditionally used aromat... more This commentary deals with recommendation of essential oils of selected traditionally used aromatic plants as shelf life enhancer of herbal raw materials in view of their efficacy to protect them from microbial and mycotoxin contaminations and oxidative deteriorations during post-harvest processing. Such documentation of pharmacological efficacy of traditionally used aromatic plants would be also helpful in bioprospection of plant diversity against the act of biopiracy.
Microbes are the biggest shareholder for the quantitative and qualitative deterioration of food c... more Microbes are the biggest shareholder for the quantitative and qualitative deterioration of food commodities at different stages of production, transportation, and storage, along with the secretion of toxic secondary metabolites. Indiscriminate application of synthetic preservatives may develop resistance in microbial strains and associated complications in human health with broad-spectrum environmental non-sustainability. The application of essential oils (EOs) as a natural antimicrobial and their efficacy for the preservation of foods has been of present interest and growing consumer demand in the current generation. However, the loss in bioactivity of EOs from fluctuating environmental conditions is a major limitation during their practical application, which could be overcome by encapsulating them in a suitable biodegradable and biocompatible polymer matrix with enhancement to their efficacy and stability. Among different nanoencapsulated systems, nanoemulsions effectively contri...
Nanomaterials in Plants, Algae, and Microorganisms
Abstract This chapter discusses the application of nanotechnology to develop plant essential oil ... more Abstract This chapter discusses the application of nanotechnology to develop plant essential oil (EO)-based systems to accomplish eco-friendly means for controlling pests causing spoilage of food items during postharvest storage. The various types of techniques to formulate EO-loaded microcapsules are described, together with different carrier systems and their potential uses. The advantages and disadvantages offered by each technique and carrier system are presented to facilitate selection of the appropriate nanoencapsulation method according to a particular demand. Furthermore, the characterization of EO-loaded microcapsules that must be examined before large-scale implementation to food and agriculture industries has been discussed. The use of EO-based microcapsules offers advantages such as minimum reactivity with environmental factors, decreased evaporation rate, enhanced handling ability, uniform distribution of EO with very small amounts, and safe delivery at the right time, while reducing environmental damage and negative impacts on human health.
Plant Biosystems - An International Journal Dealing with all Aspects of Plant Biology
Abstract The study reports fungal biodeterioration of herbal raw materials of Adhatoda vasica Nee... more Abstract The study reports fungal biodeterioration of herbal raw materials of Adhatoda vasica Nees and Withania somnifera Dunal and assessment of Abelmoschus moschatus Medik seed essential oil (AMEO) as antifungal, antiaflatoxigenic, and antioxidant. Seven fungal species belonging to three genera were isolated from Adhatoda vasica leaves and Withania somnifera roots. The minimum inhibitory, fungicidal, and aflatoxin inhibitory concentrations of AMEO were found to be 1750, 5000, and 1250 ppm, respectively, against A. flavus LHP-WS-1, isolated from W. somnifera. The effect of AMEO over ergosterol content in the plasma membrane was assessed to test the mode of action on A. flavus. AMEO also exhibited broad fungitoxicity at its minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and strong antioxidant property through 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) analysis having IC50 value equal to 0.325 μL/mL. In view of strong antifungal, antiaflatoxigenic, and antioxidant activity, the AMEO may be recommended as botanical preservative for herbal raw materials in order to enhance their shelf life and to maintain their quality.
The present study reports in vivo antifungal and antiaflatoxigenic efficacy of Mentha spicata ess... more The present study reports in vivo antifungal and antiaflatoxigenic efficacy of Mentha spicata essential oil (EO) against toxigenic Aspergillus flavus strain LHP(C)-D6 in chickpea food system up to 12 months of storage. In addition, the mode of antifungal action of EO was also determined to understand the mechanism of fungal growth inhibition. The in vivo study with different concentrations of M. spicata EO showed dose-dependent decrease in fungal colony count as well as aflatoxin B1 concentration. The EO caused &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;50 % protection in inoculated sets and &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;70 % protection in uninoculated sets of chickpea food system against A. flavus at 1.0 μL mL(-1) air concentration. However, at the same concentration, EO caused 100 % inhibition to aflatoxin B1 production in both sets when analyzed through high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The antifungal target of EO in fumigated cells of A. flavus was found to be the plasma membrane when analyzed through electron microscopic observations and ions leakage test. The EO fumigated chickpea seeds showed 100 % seed germination and seedling growth after 12 months of storage. Based on these observations, M. spicata EO can be recommended as plant-based preservative for safe protection of food commodities during storage conditions against fungal and most importantly mycotoxin contaminations.
To report fungal and aflatoxin contamination in stored tobacco leaves and potential of Foeniculum... more To report fungal and aflatoxin contamination in stored tobacco leaves and potential of Foeniculum vulgare (fennel) seed essential oil (EO) as plant based preservative in protection of tobacco during storage. Mycological analysis of tobacco samples was done by surface sterilization and serial dilution tests. The Aspergillus flavus isolates were screened for their toxigenicity. Both in vivo and in vitro tests were done to evaluate antifungal and antiaflatoxigenic efficacy of chemically characterized EO. The mycoflora analysis revealed 108 fungal colonies belonging to 5 genera and 9 species. All A. flavus isolates were found aflatoxigenic during screening. GC-MS analysis of EO identified 19 components (99.66%); estragole being the major component (47.49%). The EO showed broad fungitoxicity at 1.25 μl ml-1 and 100% inhibition to AFB1 production as well as ergosterol synthesis at 1.0 μl ml-1 concentration. EO showed 100% protection of stored tobacco samples from aflatoxin B1 contaminatio...
International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation, 2015
ABSTRACT The study reports the qualitative degradation of raw materials of Andrographis paniculat... more ABSTRACT The study reports the qualitative degradation of raw materials of Andrographis paniculata during storage due to fungal and aflatoxin contamination and its control by essential oils (EOs) of Caesulia axillaris, Cymbopogon khasans and Cymbopogon martinii. The finger print profile of the herbal raw materials through high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) revealed the significant degradation of andrographolide content (the major active component) due to fungal and aflatoxin contamination. The three EOs showed potent preservative effects during fumigation in storage containers providing 71.93%, 93.86% and 88.60% protection of herbal raw materials respectively from fungal contamination. The EOs were found to control the degradation of the active component of A. paniculata as well as reduce aflatoxin produced by toxigenic Aspergillus flavus. The EOs may increase the shelf life of raw materials of A. paniculata by controlling fungal and aflatoxin contamination as well as active component degradation during post harvest storage.
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