Caffeine Inhibition of Sterigmatocystin, Citrinin, and Patulin Production

Abstract

ABSTRACT Microbiological medium was used to study the effect of caffeine on sterigmatocystin, citrinin, and patulin production by Aspergillus versicolor, Penicillium citrinum , and Penicillium urticae , respectively. Caffeine inhibited the growth of the three fungal species and decreased sterigmatocystin and patulin production. The effect on citrinin production appeared to be limited to a delay in toxin synthesis. A preliminary examination of P. urticae suggested that caffeine's anti‐mycotoxigenic activity does not involve a generalized inhibition of lipid synthesis.