Journal of food science and technology(Iran)

Journal of food science and technology(Iran)

Antifungal effect of aqueous, hydroalcoholic and ultrasonic extracts of shallot (Allium stipitatum) on Aspergillus niger and Penicillium expansum isolated from moldy cheese

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 Department of veterinary, Chalous branch, Islamic Azad University, Chalous, Iran.
2 Department of veterinary, Babol, Islamic Azad University, Babol, Iran.
Abstract
Contamination of food products by molds is a significant challenge in the food industry. The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the antifungal effects of aqueous, hydroalcoholic (ethanolic), and ultrasonic extracts of the shallot (Allium stipitatum) on these two molds. Molds were isolated from spoilaged Iranian white cheese. Aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts were prepared using distilled water and 70% ethanol by Soxhlet extraction, respectively, and the ultrasonic extract was obtained using an ultrasonic bath at 45°C and 20 kHz for 20 minutes. Antifungal activity of the extracts was evaluated by determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC), data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Duncan’s test with a 95% confidence level. The results demonstrated that aqueous, hydroalcoholic, and ultrasonic extracts exhibited antimicrobial effects against both fungi. ultrasonic extract of shallot had the strongest inhibitory and fungicidal effects against both fungi (P<0.05). Additionally, Penicillium expansum was more resistant to all extract types compared to Aspergillus niger, requiring higher extract concentrations for inhibition and fungicidal effect (P<0.05). The differences between the active compounds of shallot aqueous, hydroalcoholic and ultrasonic extracts could indicate the key role of the antifungal compounds present in the extract.
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