Antifungal activity of berberine iodide, a constituent of Fumaria indica

Abstract

Berberine iodide, an isoquinoline alkaloid was isolated from Fumaria indica and its efficacy was tested against spore germination of some plant parasitic as well as saprophytic fungi. The alkaloid significantly curbed spore germination of Curvularia lunata, Erysiphe cichoracearum, E. pisi, Fusarium udum and Penicillium species. Complete inhibition (100 %) of spore germination was observed in E. cichoracearum and Penicillium species at 1.5 g/L. Albugo candida and Alternaria species were not affected by the chemical.