AU - Hassan Minooeian Haghighi, Mohammad AU - Khosravi, Alireza TI - The Effects of the Herbal Essences on the Two Important Species of Aspergillus PT - JOURNAL ARTICLE TA - QHMS JN - QHMS VO - 15 VI - 4 IP - 4 4099 - http://imtj.gmu.ac.ir/article-1-725-en.html 4100 - http://imtj.gmu.ac.ir/article-1-725-en.pdf SO - QHMS 4 AB  - Background and Aim: Complications due to chemical usage and the artificial preservatives of food stuffs, an increase in microbial infections resistant to antibiotics, consideration of Aspergillosis and Mycotoxicosis as important fungal diseases, and also mold decay of agricultural products, on the one hand, and the great potential essences against microorganisms, on the other hand, have led us to carry out this study. The aim of the study is to survey the effects of Cuminum cyminum, Ziziphora clinopodioiedes and Nigella sativa which grow in Khorasan Razavi Province on the growth of Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus flavus. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, herbal substances which include Cuminum cyminum, Ziziphora clinopodioiedes and Nigella sativa were selected and collected during the year 2008. Then, their essential oils (essences) were extracted by hydro-distillation procedure. By applying Broth Macro Dilution technique and four times of repetition, the mean of Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC90) and Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) of the above-mentioned essences was certified against Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus flavus in concentrations of 3, 2.5, 2, 1.5, 1, 0.5 and 0.25 mg /ml. The testing fungi were observed from growth level point of view after being cultured in 28 degrees centigrade in Yeast Extract Sucrose (YES) broth media for 48, 72 and 96 hours in order. Then, their MIC and MFC were determined by being sub-cultured in Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA). Results: In general, after repeating the test 4 times, the mean of MIC90 and MFC of the above-mentioned essences against both types of fungi was determined from a low of 0.25 to a high of 1.75 and a low of 0.5 to a high of 2.5 mg/ml, respectively. According to the results of this study, the essential oils of Cuminum cyminum and Ziziphora clinopodioiedes showed the best and most tonic activity against both types of fungi (0.25 ≤ MIC90 ≤ 0.43) while Nigella sativa showed a fairly moderate activity against them (1.25 ≤ MIC90 ≤ 1.75). Conclusion: The findings of this study showed that Cminum cyminum, Ziziphora clinopodioiedes and Nigella sativa have fungicidal and anti-fungal functions against Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus flavus. Therefore, they can be used in medical pharmacology, veterinary, food industries, aromathrapy and health affairs as drugs and anti-fungal elements. CP - IRAN IN - LG - eng PB - QHMS PG - 5 PT - Original YR - 2010