Effect of spice essential oils on growth and aflatoxin B1production 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 μl cinnamon oil ml-1 medium and by 1 μl clove oil ml-1. Almond and cardamom oils only affected growth when their concentration exceeded 1.25 μl ml-1 medium. Aflatoxin B1 production was stimulated by 0.75 and 1 μl almond oil ml-1 medium or by 0.25 and 0.5 μl cardamom oil ml-1.