METHYLXANTHINE INHIBITION OF AFLATOXIN PRODUCTION

Abstract

ABSTRACT The effects of caffeine and theophylline on growth and aflatoxin B1 production by Aspergillus parasiticus NRRL 2999 were studied in AMY medium at pH 4.5. Caffeine levels of 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mg/ml decreased aflatoxin production by 86, 96 and 100%, respectively. Theophylline levels of 2.0, 4.0 and 8.0 mg/ml were tested, but only the highest concentration was inhibitory, decreasing aflatoxin production by 54%. Inhibition of growth was noted, but did not completely account for the reduction in aflatoxin production. The data help explain why aflatoxins are not usually isolated from caffeine‐containing commodities, and indicate that aflatoxin synthesis may be regulated by cyclic AMP.