Fungicidal and anti-aflatoxin activity of four meroterpenoids isolated from Arnebia euchroma root

Abstract

Meroterpenoids are naturally occurring bioactive compounds derived from terpenoids. Isolation and structure elucidation of four meroterpenoids from Arnebia euchroma root confirmed as arnebinol A–D have been conducted and their antifungal and anti-aflatoxigenic activities against Aspergillus flavus have been investigated. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that after treating A. flavus with arnebinol A–D at ≥200 mg/L, the conidia with phialides appeared wrinkled and compressed, the cell wall was damaged, and mycelial growth was entirely inhibited. Arnebinol D could inhibit A. flavus aflatoxin production and reduce ergosterol levels. The present experiments confirmed the antifungal activity of arnebinol D and provided evidence for the potential use of these natural compounds against fungi.

Keywords:

• Bio-control
• bio-fungicide
• fungicidal activity
• eco-friendly
• hazard contaminates
• mycotoxin

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

Seyedeh Faezeh Taghizadeh was partially supported by a grant from Ferdowsi University of Mashhad (No. FUM-40949). Also, we appreciate the support provided by Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.