Preliminary report on antifungal activity of a Solanum nigrum extract against five mycotoxin-producing fungi

Abstract

Given the increased interest for the prevention and reduction of mycotoxin contamination, a research was conducted to evaluate whether an aqueous crude extract from Solanum nigrum lyophilized leaves was active against five mycotoxin-producing fungi. Alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, saponins, and other bioactive compounds were found in the extract. Two in vitro antifungal assays were performed, the well diffusion and the paper disk diffusion tests. The results of both tests showed that the extract inhibited the growth of two out of five tested mycotoxin-producing fungi, with inhibition zones slightly lower than those of positive control. These preliminary findings confirm the antimicrobial activity of S. nigrum, and encourage further researches on this plant to develop natural agents against mycotoxigenic fungi in order to replace synthetic pesticides.