Bersama abyssinica Fresen. (Melianthaceae): Antifungal Activity on Aflatoxin B1-producing Mold

Aspergillus flavus is the main aflatoxin-producing mold (only group B). In view of the extent of the pathologies caused by these toxins, we have begun a series of research on medicinal plants with the aim of finding new bioactive substances capable of neutralizing the action of these mycotoxins and endowing a safety guaranteeing their taking in The therapeutic treatments of affections related to the production of aflatoxins in general but aflatoxin B1 in particular. An ethnobotanical survey conducted in the Department of Transua (East of Cote d'Ivoire) revealed Bersama abyssinica, medicinal species highly recommended in the treatment of mycoses. After extraction of the active ingredients, the Sabouraud double tube dilution method was used to evaluate the antifungal activities of two extracts of this plant. The aqueous total (TAE) and ethanolic extracts 70% (EE70%) of tested leaves possess an antifungal activity. EE70% is the most active (MIC = 0.781mg/ml and IC50 = 0.08 mg/ml). These results justify the traditional use of Bersama abyssinica in the treatment of mycotic diseases in the Department of Transua. Bersama abyssinica is an alternative in the bio-fight against Aspergillus flavus producing aflatoxin B1.