Morpho-anatomical attributes of the Egyptian Conocarpus erectus L. (Combretaceae R.Br.) with its phytochemicals and fungal-endophytes

Abstract

Egyptian Conocarpus erectus L., or the buttonwood, was studied in different terms. This study used light and scanning electron microscopy, HPLC, and GC–MS analyses. Foliar morphology, anatomy of stems and leaves, pollen morphology, and phytochemical and endofungal attributes were investigated. It was an evergreen shrub with alternate leaves, a pair of nectary glands on the leaf base, and a few indumentums. Trichomes of both non- and glandular hairs were found. Stomata were sized, reaching 37.5 × 25.0 µm. They appeared on both abaxial and adaxial surfaces. The stem and leaf interior structure was typically like most dicots. Their internal structure revealed the mycelium of Aspergillus flavus throughout. Similarly, the accumulation of phenolic compounds as colored particles and integrated phytochemicals in crystalloid druses are observed internally. The endophytic fungus A. flavus, isolated from the leaves of C. erectus, contained the highest concentration of kojic acid. As a result, we could consider this A. flavus strain as a source of kojic acid for application in industry. Fungal and C. erectus extracts showed broad-range antifungal activity against three opportunistic human pathogenic fungi (Geotrichum candidum OL960606, Neoscytalidium dimidiatum OL960610, and Scopulariopsis coprophila OL960621). The major bioactive compounds of C. erectus leaf extracts were gallic acid, rutin, and rosmarinic acid. In conclusion, the endophytic A. flavus isolated from C. erectus has a variety of biological and medicinal uses that make it a potential commercial resource.