Antifungal potential of mangrove extracts against Aspergillus flavus and Penicillium italicum

The interest in plants antimicrobial properties has been revived because of the current problems associated with the use of antibiotics. Nowadays, the fact that microorganisms tend to develop drug resistance, besides the side effects of certain antibiotics has offered considerable potentials for the development of new effective antifungal and antioxidant agents; medicinal plants are prolific sources. Avicennia marina, commonly known as grey mangrove, is a species of mangrove tree classified in the plant family Acanthaceae. The aim of this experimental study is determination of antifungal effect of the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Avicennia marina on Aspergillus flavus and Penicillium italicum”in vitro”. In this study, quantitative bioassay was done using disc diffusion method, Minimum Inhibition Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) was carried out using broth dilution methods. The results showed that the ethanol extract of Avicennia marina leaves with “antimicrobial activity method” in 2000 μg/ml, were inhibited the growth of Aspergillus flavus and Penicillium italicum. In “disk agar diffusion test” the mentioned extract were shown inhibiti on effect on pathogenic molds growth (p<0.05). The result showed that MIC of ethanolic extract of Avicenna marina leaves for Aspergillus flavus and Penicillium italicum was 16 and 8 mg/ml respectively. The results showed that MFC of ethanolic extract of Avicenna marina for Aspergillus flavus was 32 mg/ml, and for Penicillium italicum was 16 mg/ml. Ethanolic extract compared to the aqueous extract was more effective and has a greater inhibition effect. This study showed that the extract of Avicennia marina had antifungal effects that justify their traditional use as medicinal plants. Finally, the data suggested that Avicennia marina extracts could have notable antifungal effects.