Mycoflora and Mycotoxins in Medicinal Fruit/Seed of Forestry Origin

Fruit/seed of seven medicinal plants namely Aegle marmelos, Azadirachta indica, Emblica offit;inalis, Plantago ouata, Terminalia bellirica, T. chebula and Vitex negundo were examined for their susceptibility to mould invasion and elaboration of mycotoxins. Fifteen fungi were found associated with seed samples. 23-40% of the isolated fungi were species of Aspergillus, Fusarium and Penicillium. The strains of A. flavus thus obtained were screened for aflatoxin producing potential. It was found that almost 30% of these isolates elaborated aflatoxin. Natural occurrence of aflatoxin contamination was also determined in these medicinal seeds. Aegle marmelos was found to be most suitable substrate for elaboration of aflatoxins whereas no traces of aflatoxin were detected in P. ovata.