Bioefficacy of Adansonia digitata L. (BAOBAB) extract against aflatoxin produced by Aspergillus on Sesamum indicum L. (Sesame) seeds

The leaf and bark extracts of Adansonia digitata were used as inhibition agents to curtail the spread of aflatoxin produced by Aspergillus niger on sesame seeds. Susceptibility test was carried out using agar well diffusion method. The ethanoic and aqueous leaf and bark extracts of Adansonia digitata were subjected to phytochemical screening using standard methods of analysis and this investigation revealed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, saponins, glycosides, alkaloids, quinones and phenols. The test organism isolated from sesame seeds was identified as Aspergillus niger. The extracts at different concentrations 100mg/ml, 125 mg/ml, 200 mg/ml, 250 mg/ml and 500 mg/ml showed varied inhibitory activity against the fungus studied with ethanoic leaf extract having the highest inhibition at concentration of 500mg/ml with mean inhibition zone of 35.00±1.00. Ampicillin (250 mg) was used as a positive control. It is therefore recommended that bio-preservation of benniseed using Adansonia digitata be considered to avoid infestation by Aspergillus niger in humid and insect infested areas.