Fungicidal activity of honey originating from different phytogeographic regions against Aspergillus niger and Penicillium chrysogenum

Abstract

Different honey brands from Pakistan, Germany and Arabian countries were examined to test their antifungal potential against Aspergillus niger and Penicillium chrysogenum. The in-vitro antifungal activity with different concentrations (Undiluted, 10, 20, 30% v/v) of honey was compared with commercial antifungal drug fluconazole. The diameters of zone of the inhibition of various concentrations of honey ranged from 11-22 mm for A. niger and 13-24 mm for P. chrysogenum, respectively. Lenganese honey brand (LH) showed highest activity (62- 68%) in undiluted honey sample (100%) while honey samples from Pakistani origin exhibited 60-65.71% activity against tested fungal strains. Multi-floral honey samples inhibited the fungal growth more efficiently than the unifloral honey. The antifungal activities of Pakistani honey brands were comparable with international honey brands and commercial antifungal drug fluconazole and might serve to protect health against these human pathogenic fungi.