Tulbaghia violacea Harv. plant extract affects cell wall synthesis in Aspergillus flavus

This study investigates the effect that aqueous extracts of Tulbaghia violacea Harv. harbouring plant saponins, phenolics and tannins have on Aspergillus flavus β-(1,3) glucan and chitin synthesis.

Aspergillus flavus was treated with various subinhibitory concentrations of an aqueous T. violacea plant extract and the β-(1,3) glucan and chitin content was determined together with glucan synthase and chitin synthase production respectively.

The aqueous extract caused a significant decline (P < 0·05) in β-glucan production in A. flavus in a dose-dependent manner when compared to the untreated sample. Further investigations showed a decrease in β-glucan synthase production as the concentration of the plant extract was increased. A significant reduction in total chitin content corresponding to a decrease in chitin synthase production in the presence of the plant extract was also found.

The broad spectrum activity and the efficacy of aqueous T. violacea plant extract on both β-glucan and chitin synthesis may limit the potential of the fungus developing resistance towards it and therefore the extract is an ideal candidate for use as a potential antifungal agent.