Effect of Piper betle L. and its extracts on the growth and aflatoxin production by Aspergillus parasiticus
Chou, C.C.; Yu, R.C.
Proceedings of the National Science Council Republic of China. Part B Life Sciences 8(1): 30-35
1984
ISSN/ISBN: 0255-6596 PMID: 6531413 Document Number: 240088
Ground powder of the leaf and fruit of P. betle L., a tropical spice plant grown in southeast Asia, was prepared and extracted by chloroform, ethanol and water with 1 solvent only or with 3 solvents in sequence. The betel powder and various extracts were added to YES broth to determine their effects on the growth and aflatoxin production by A. parasiticus. Betel leaf powder exhibited higher antimycotic activity than fruit. One half percent of ground leaf powder completely inhibited the growth and aflatoxin production by A. parasiticus. Among the solvent extracts, chloroform and ethanol extracts of betel leaf prepared from a single solvent extraction showed more antimycotic activity. The ethanol extract of betel leaf at the level of 450 .mu.g/ml would eliminate A. parasiticus growth and aflatoxin production. The antimycotic activiy of this ethanol extract was most pronounced at pH 4.