A preliminary investigation on the production of lovastatin from an endophytic fungus Nigrospora sp. isolated from Cymbopogon schoenanthus

Abstract

In the past decade, changing diet and lifestyle have increased the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Increased levels of blood cholesterol are major contributors for these diseases. Drugs are available that target the synthesis of cholesterol via HMG-CoA reductase enzyme in the mevalonate pathway. Lovastatin is one such drug that inhibits HMG-CoA reductase enzyme, thereby reducing the level of blood cholesterol. Microbial production of lovastatin is a cost effective way when compared to chemical route of synthesis. In the present study, we did a preliminary investigation on the production of lovastatin by endophytic fungi. Endophytic fungi were isolated from lemon grass and pepper plants. Sterile cultures were isolated and was morphologically analysed to identify the genera of the fungi. 13 isolates were obtained from the inoculated explants. The isolates were then inoculated in a production media and then incubated for 21 days. After which the lovastatin was extracted from the media using ethyl acetate. The extract was analysed using HPLC to detect the production of lovastatin.Out of the 13 isolates, Nigrospora sp. isolated from Cymbopogon schoenanthus exhibited to have potential to produce lovastatin.