Evaluation of Phytochemicals as antimicrobial Agents on Aspergillus Terreus and Aspergillus Niger

Abstract

Fungi are ubiquitous to the environment and primarily saprophytic, using non living organic material as a nutrient source for growth and reproduction. During the digestion process fungi secrete enzymes into the nutrient source to break down complex compounds into simpler compounds, which are taken up by the fungi and digested. The digested nutrients are classified into two categories: primary and secondary metabolites. The primary metabolites consist of cellulose and other compounds that are used for energy to grow and reproduce (Mohamed Refai et al., 2014) Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by filamentous fungi that have adverse effects on human and animal (Maggon et al., 1977). They are structurally diverse, deriving from a number of biosynthetic pathways and their effect upon consumers is equally diverse ranging from acutely toxic to immunosuppressive or carcinogenic. The production of a particular mycotoxin is restricted to a limited number of fungal species and, in some instance may be limited to particular strains within a species. Mycotoxin contamination is an economic problem for live stock and feed industries. The presence of mycotoxins in feedstuffs reduces the feed quality in terms of both energy and protein value. High moisture content (>12%) and grain damage favour mould growth. Mycotoxins may get concentrated from 30-500 times in broken grain as compared to whole grain (Atef A.Hassan et al., 2013) Mycotoxins can cause a variety of short term as well as long-term health effects. Symptoms due to exposure to mycotoxins are: dermatitis, cold, flu, sore throat, headache, fatigue and diarrhea.