Abstract
Endophytes are a suite of microorganisms that grow in the tissues of higher plants. Endophytes constitute a valuable source of secondary metabolites for the discovery of new potential therapeutic drugs. Endophytes can have many effects on their host such as enhancement of stress, insect and disease resistance, and herbicide activities when in association with their host plant. The present study was to examine the antimicrobial activity of ethyl acetate extracts of endophytic fungi (both extra and intracellular) and actinomycete from the stem and root of Datura metel L. The crude extract of these endophytic isolates were screened for their antimicrobial potential. Among the endophytes, the extracellular fungal extract showed the highest antimicrobial activity when compared to intracellular fungi and actinomycetes. The studies and isolation of these compounds can be used as a good approach to search of novel products.
Highlights
Datura metel L. is a medicinal plant which is commonly called as devil trumpet
The antimicrobial activities of crude extracts of endophytic fungi and actinomycete were tested against selected reference cultures
Moderate activity of 20 mm was found against MRSA [Methicillin Resistant S. aureus] ICMR – 5 and trace activity of 12 mm was found against Staphylococcus aureus [Methicillin Sensitive S. aureus] (Figure 8)
Summary
Datura metel L. is a medicinal plant which is commonly called as devil trumpet. The colonies remain asymptomatic and some in perennial plant parts may have a very long life. Studies of endophytic fungi in tree leaves have been carried out for many host species since the latter half of the 1970s when their significance as common symbionts and possible mutualists of plants were recognized [3,4,5]. Endophytic actinomycetes are considered to be potential bio control agents for they can colonize the interior of the host plant avoiding competition by any other microbes in the soil. Endophytes colonize plant tissues and remain within the tissue, except that fruiting structures may emerge bacteria. The metabolites produced by these organisms are highly effective and biologically active and remain a potent source for antibiotics
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