ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF ENDOPHYTIC FUNGI FROM MEDICINAL PLANT CRESCENTIA CUJETE L. AND THEIR ANTIBACTERIAL, ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTICANCER PROPERTIES

Objective: The present study was aimed to isolate endophytic fungi from ethano-medicinally important plant Crescentia cujete L. in view to screen their bioactive principles towards different pharmacological applications. Methods: A total of four morphologically distinct endophytic fungi were isolated and identified via analyzing their ITS region of 5.8s rRNA and sequences were submitted in Genbank. The recovered four isolates were further cultivated in Czapek-Dox broth, from this extra cellular bioactive metabolites has been extracted using ethyl acetate for their different biological activities. DPPH assay was performed to measure the free-radical scavenging activity of extracts and antibacterial property was assessed through disc diffusion method. On the other hand, the cytotoxic potential of fungal extracts against hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines (HepG2) was studied by MTT assay, AO-EB and Hoechest staining methods under in vitro condition. Most importantly, the active compounds present in the solvent extracts were identified through GC-MS analysis.Results: The fungal extracts showed a strong growth inhibitory effect against bacterial human pathogens and excellent free radical scavenging activity. It also exhibits excellent antiproliferative effect against hepatocellular carcinoma cells, further it was observed that the cell death was primarily mediated by apoptosis. The active compounds present in the extracts were identified through GC-MS analysis, which depicts the presence of aspirin and diethyl phthalate as the major constituents.Conclusion: Overall, this study strongly suggests that extracts of isolated endophytic fungi from C. cujete L. can be developed as a lead/drug molecule in view of pharmaceutical context.Â

ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF INDIGENOUS ENTOMOPATHOGENIC FUNGUS METARHIZIUM ANISOPLIAE AGAINST CLINICALLY ISOLATED HUMAN PATHOGENS

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the bactericidal effect of indigenously isolated entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae against clinically isolated human pathogens such as Bacillus subtills, Pseudomonas spp, Proteus spp, Staphylococcus aureus, E.coli, Shigella spp, Entrocooci spp. Methods: The isolated fungus was mass cultivated in liquid state fermentation and the extracellular products were extracted with dichloromethane. With the support of preparative high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) the extract was separated and the active metabolites were characterized. Further, the extract was tested for its bactericidal efficacy against clinically isolated human pathogens via well diffusion method. Briefly, different concentrations of the extracts were loaded onto the bacterial culture growing in nutrient agar plates. Results: Formation of clear zones after 24h of incubation indicates the significant inhibitory action of active metabolites present in the three different concentrations (25µl, 50µl, 75µl) of crude extract. High level exhibit best inhibitory activity was found against B.subtills (26.4±0.1), Conclusion: The findings of this preliminary study gives overview idea about the differential anti-bacterial property of M. anisopliae and additionally it will help us to find specific antibiotic products for biomedical applications

Nanohybrid Antifungals for Control of Plant Diseases: Current Status and Future Perspectives

The changing climatic conditions have led to the concurrent emergence of virulent microbial pathogens that attack crop plants and exhibit yield and quality deterring impacts on the affected crop. To counteract, the widespread infections of fungal pathogens and post-harvest diseases it is highly warranted to develop sustainable techniques and tools bypassing traditional agriculture practices. Nanotechnology offers a solution to the problems in disease management in a simple lucid way. These technologies are revolutionizing the scientific/industrial sectors. Likewise, in agriculture, the nano-based tools are of great promise particularly for the development of potent formulations ensuring proper delivery of agrochemicals, nutrients, pesticides/insecticides, and even growth regulators for enhanced use efficiency. The development of novel nanocomposites for improved management of fungal diseases can mitigate the emergence of resilient and persistent fungal pathogens and the loss of crop produce due to diseases they cause. Therefore, in this review, we collectively manifest the role of nanocomposites for the management of fungal diseases