Cytotoxic activity of crude extracts from Datura stramonium’s fungal endophytes against A549 lung carcinoma and UMG87 glioblastoma cell lines and LC-QTOF-MS/MS based metabolite profiling

Abstract : Background: Endophytic fungi are a proven source of bioactive secondary metabolites that may provide lead compounds for novel drug discovery. In this study, crude extracts from fungal endophytes isolated from Datura stramonium were evaluated for cytotoxic activity on two human cancer cell lines. Methods: Fungal endophytes were isolated from surface sterilized aerial parts of D. stramonium and identified using molecular, morphological and phylogenetic methods. Ethyl acetate crude extracts from these isolates were evaluated for cytotoxic activity on A549 lung carcinoma and UMG87 glioblastoma cell lines. Metabolite profiling was then performed by liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS/MS) for the cytotoxic crude extract. Results: Eleven fungal endophytes were identified from D. stramonium. Significant cytotoxicity was only observed from the crude extract of Alternaria sp. KTDL7 on UMG87 glioblastoma cells (IC50 = 21.49 μg/ml). Metabolite profiling of this crude extract tentatively revealed the presence of the following secondary metabolites: 1,8-dihydroxynaphthalene (1), anserinone B (2), phelligridin B (3), metacytofilin (4), phomopsidin (5) and vermixocin A (6). Compounds 2 and 3 have been shown to be cytotoxic in literature. Conclusion: The findings in this study suggest that the crude extract of Alternaria sp. KTDL7 possesses compound(s) cytotoxic to glioblastoma multiforme cells. Future studies to isolate and characterize the cytotoxic compound(s) from this fungus could result in lead development of a fungal-based drug for glioblastoma multiforme treatment

Isolation and identification of endophytic bacteria from Crinum macowanii bulbs and leaves and the biological activity of their secondary metabolites

Abstract: The World Health Organization reports that the resistance of bacteria to already available antibiotics causes 700,000 deaths globally. The resistance of microbes to antimicrobials is a ticking time bomb globally and action has to be taken to halt this catastrophe. New antibiotics need to be developed to ensure bacterial infections are treatable, as it is estimated that 10 million people will die annually by the year 2050 due to antimicrobial resistance...D.Tech. (Biotechnology

A contribution to the phytochemical and antibacterial characteristics of Crinum macowanii bulbs extracts

M.Tech. (Biotechnology)Abstract: The World Health Organization (WHO) in 2014 indicated that about 80% of the world’s population depend on medicinal plants for their primary health care, due to accessibility, affordability and cultural significance. However, issues such as extinction due to cultivation and lack of scientific validation of the therapeutic potential of medicinal plants through phytochemical and pharmacological screening hinder the sustainability and conversion of medicinal plants into a commodity of high value. Crinum macowanii Baker is a plant belonging to the Amaryllidaceae family under the genus Crinum. The species from the genus occurr world-wide in America, Africa, and southern Asia to Australia, with Africa having the most species. Crinum macowanii Baker grows in many habitats like grasslands, beside rivers and along the coast and in various types of soil. The plant has a deciduous bulb, with fleshy roots and bright green to bluish green leaves and large white lilies with dark pink stripes. The flower produces about 20 to 80 small seeds that appear as smooth, pale green to silvery and fleshy. The bulbs are 6-25 cm in diameter. The flowers have a heavy scent and are normally 4-20 cm and with pedicels up to 6.5 cm long. Traditionally, C. macowanii has been used for different applications in humans and animals since its known to possess medicinal properties. Crinum macowanii is used traditionally as a remedy for the treatment of boils, diarrhoea, fever, inflammation, respiratory system problems, skin rashes, tuberculosis, wounds and urinary tract problems. The bulbs are also used to increase lactation in women and cows. such indicates that the plant has phytochemicals which explains its continued used. The plant has shown to have antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. A number of alkaloids have been isolated from the plant which cannot all account for the biological uses of the plant and therefore this study was done to investigate the phytochemicals present in the plant and its antibacterial activity. Crinum macowanii bulbs were purchased from Faraday Muti Market in Johannesburg South Africa. The bulbs were subjected to solvent extraction and pressurized hot water extraction. The solvent extraction produced the highest yield as compared to the pressurized hot water extracts..