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Updated: Jul 27, 2025
Measuring Volatile and Non-volatile Antifungal Activity of Biocontrol Products
Published on: December 5, 2020
Antifungal Activity of Menthol, Eugenol and Their Combination against
Yamina Ben Miri1,2, Ahmed Nouasri3, Marta Herrera4
1Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, Mohamed Boudiaf University, P.O. Box 166, M'sila 28000, Algeria.
Abstract:
Aspergillus ochraceus and Aspergillus niger are spoilage and mycotoxin-producing fungi that can contaminate agricultural commodities and derived products. In the present study, menthol, eugenol, and their combination (mix 1:1) were tested to determine their contact and fumigation toxicity against the two fungi. Menthol, eugenol, and their mixture significantly reduced mycelial growth and spore germination at concentrations from 300 to 600 µg/mL, and the inhibitory effects showed clear dose dependence. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values against A. ochraceus were 500 µg/mL (menthol), 400 µg/mL (eugenol), and 300 µg/mL (mix 1:1), while the MIC values for A. niger were 500 µg/mL (menthol), 600 µg/mL (eugenol), and 400 µg/mL (mix 1:1). Additionally, the analyzed compounds exhibited more than 50% protection against A. ochraceus and A. niger by fumigation of stored cereal grains (maize, barley, and rice) in sealed containers. The binary mixture of menthol and eugenol showed synergistic effects against both fungi in both in vitro direct contact and stored grain fumigation trials. The results of the present study provide a scientific basis for the application of a combination of natural antifungals in food preservation.
Insights
Menthol and eugenol, natural antifungals, effectively inhibit Aspergillus ochraceus and Aspergillus niger growth and spore germination. Their synergistic mixture shows promise for preserving agricultural commodities and derived products.
Area of Science:
- Food Science
- Mycology
- Agricultural Science
Background:
- Aspergillus ochraceus and Aspergillus niger are significant spoilage and mycotoxin-producing fungi.
- These fungi contaminate agricultural commodities and derived food products, posing risks to food safety and quality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the contact and fumigation toxicity of menthol, eugenol, and their combination against Aspergillus ochraceus and Aspergillus niger.
- To determine the synergistic effects of menthol and eugenol in controlling these fungal contaminants.
Main Methods:
- In vitro testing of menthol, eugenol, and their 1:1 mixture against mycelial growth and spore germination.
- Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) determination for each compound and the mixture.
- Fumigation trials on stored cereal grains (maize, barley, rice) to assess protective effects.
Main Results:
- Menthol, eugenol, and their mixture significantly inhibited fungal growth and spore germination in a dose-dependent manner.
- MIC values varied, with the mixture generally showing lower concentrations for inhibition compared to individual compounds.
- Fumigation with the compounds provided over 50% protection for stored grains against both fungal species.
- Synergistic antifungal activity was observed for the menthol-eugenol mixture in both direct contact and fumigation assays.
Conclusions:
- A combination of menthol and eugenol exhibits significant synergistic antifungal activity against Aspergillus ochraceus and Aspergillus niger.
- These natural compounds demonstrate potential as effective agents for food preservation, reducing spoilage and mycotoxin contamination.
- The study provides a scientific foundation for utilizing natural antifungal mixtures in agricultural commodity protection.
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