Fermentation Filtrate Research Articles

Nematicidal Evaluation and Active Compounds Isolation of Aspergillus japonicus ZW1 against Root-Knot Nematodes Meloidogyne incognita

The root-knot nematode is one of the most damaging plant-parasitic nematodes worldwide, and the ecofriendly alternative approach of biological control has been used to suppress nematode populations. Here the nematicidal activity of Aspergillus japonicus ZW1 fermentation filtrate against Meloidogyne incognita was evaluated in vitro and in greenhouse, and the effects of A. japonicus ZW1 fermentation filtrate on seed germination and the active compound of A. japonicus ZW1 fermentation filtrate were determined. The 2-week fermentation filtrate (2-WF) of A. japonicus ZW1 exhibited markedly inhibitory effects on egg hatching, and 5% 2-WF showed potential nematicidal activities on second-stage juveniles (J2s); the mortality of J2s was 100% after 24 h exposure. The internal contents of nematodes were degraded and remarkable protruded wrinkles were present on the body surface of J2s. The nematicidal activity of the fermentation was stable after boiling and was not affected by storage time. A germination assay revealed that 2-WF did not have a negative effect on the viability and germination of corn, wheat, rice, cowpeas, cucumbers, soybeans, or tomato seeds. The pot-grown study confirmed that a 20% fermentation broth solution significantly reduced root galls and egg numbers on tomatoes, and decreased galls and eggs by 47.3% and 51.8% respectively, over Czapek medium and water controls. The active compound from the A. japonicus ZW1 fermentation filtrate was isolated and identified as 1,5-Dimethyl Citrate hydrochloride ester on the basis of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and LC-MS (liquid chromatograph-mass spectrometer) techniques. Thus, fermentation of A. japonicus ZW1 could be considered a potential new biological nematicide for the control of M. incognita.

Effects of Myrothecium verrucaria ZW-2 fermentation filtrates on various plant-parasitic nematodes

This study shows for the first time the effect of the fermentation filtrate of Myrothecium verrucaria, strain ZW-2, on four different species of plant-parasitic nematodes. Our results suggested that the fermentation filtrate of M. verrucaria inhibited hatching of Meloidogyne incognita and Heterodera glycines eggs. The lowest egg hatching rates of H. glycines and M. incognita were 6.3% and 2.0%, respectively, after 15 days of incubation with a fermentation filtrate of M. verrucaria. A 2-week fermentation filtrate had lethal effects on of M. incognita (second stage juveniles), H. glycines and Bursaphelenchus xylophilus. After 72 h of incubation, the following mortality rates were observed: M. incognita J2s, 100%; Hirschmanniella spp., 8.4%; H. glycines J2s, 82.4%; and B. xylophilus, 96.1%. A pot test showed that the mean suppressive rates of H. glycines after one- and two-week fermentation treatments were 78.8% and 91.2%, respectively. There were 0.8 nematodes per tomato root system at seven days after inoculation (DAI) and 4.4 galls and 933.3 eggs per root system at 30 DAI, which were significantly lower than those of the tap water controls (8.0 nematodes, 31.4 galls and 14,622.5 eggs per root system). Our studies confirmed that the fermentation filtrate of strain ZW-2 has nematicidal effects against three plant-parasitic nematodes.

The effect of nitrogen sources on anti-phytopathogenic activities fermented filtrate of Bacillus subtilis AAF2

The filtrate from Bacillus subtilis AAF2 fermentation was reported to have high anti-phytopathogenic activity in the corn steep liquor modified medium with glucose as its carbon source. Besides media and carbon sources, the nitrogen source also affects these activities. This study aims to obtain the best nitrogen source on anti-phytopathogenic activities fermented filtrate of B. subtilis AAF2. The nitrogen sources used were yeast extract (15 G L-1), peptone (15 G L-1), NH4NO3 (1.71 G L-1), and (NH4)2SO4 (2.83 G L-1), with phytopathogen test were Fusarium oxysporum and Sclerotium rolfsii. The parameters measured were pH fluctuations, the number of B. subtilis AAF2 cells, and the efficacy of phytopathogen growth inhibition (measured every 24 hours for 3 x 24 hours). The results showed pH ranged from 5.7 to 7.1; the number of cells ranges from 2.1X106 -1.00X1015 CFU ml-1; the efficacy against F. oxysporum ranged from 7.10 -71.40% and against S. rolfsii ranged from 17.70 -71.80%. The best nitrogen source in the fermentation of anti-phytopathogenic compounds by B. subtilis AAF2 was peptone.

Co-culture of Trichoderma atroviride SG3403 and Bacillus subtilis 22 improves the production of antifungal secondary metabolites

In this study, the co-cultivation of Trichoderma atroviride SG3403 and Bacillus subtilis 22 was optimized for the production of antifungal metabolites. Response surface methodology was applied to establish a statistical model for optimizing the co-culture medium components and fermentation conditions. The results showed that the optimal co-culture parameters were 28 °C, 214 rpm, initial pH of 6.8 and a medium containing 10 g/l yeast powder and 27.6 g/l molasses. Under the optimal conditions, the fermented culture filtrate of the co-culture inhibited Fusarium graminearum by 54.22%. Furthermore, antifungal and plant growth promoting metabolites were increased in the fermented culture filtrate of co-culture compared with the monoculture. The increased production of specific antifungal and plant growth promoting components in the co-culture could enhance the biocontrol effect of Trichoderma and Bacillus, and the mixture provides an effective source for the development of bio-control agents.

Bacillus/Trapa japonica Fruit Extract Ferment Filtrate enhances human hair follicle dermal papilla cell proliferation via the Akt/ERK/GSK-3\u03b2 signaling pathway

BackgroundDespite advances in medical treatments, the proportion of the population suffering from alopecia is increasing, creating a need for new treatments to control hair loss and prevent balding. Treatments based on plant-derived compounds could potentially prevent hair loss. Human hair follicle dermal papilla (HDP) cells, a type of specialized fibroblast in the hair bulb, play an essential role in controlling hair growth and in conditions such as androgenic alopecia. We examined the effect of Bacillus/Trapa japonica fruit ferment filtrate extracts (TJFs) on HDP cells to determine whether activation of the Akt/ERK/GSK-3β signaling pathway improved HDP cell proliferation.MethodsWe prepared TJFs using various methods. The extract properties were analyzed using WST-1, Lowry, and cell migration assays as well as immunofluorescence staining. We also determined the cell cycle stage and performed western blotting and an in ovo chick chorioallantoic membrane assay. Last, we constructed an organotypic three-dimensional cell culture model for immunohistochemical use.ResultsOur study confirmed that the TJFs contained numerous peptides and five unknown fractions. The TJFs stimulated HDP cell proliferation and migration via the Akt/ERK/GSK-3β signaling pathway. To verify that the Akt/ERK/GSK-3β pathway affected HDP cell proliferation, we treated HDP cells with LY294002 (an Akt inhibitor), BIO (a GSK-3β inhibitor), and PD98059 (an ERK inhibitor). The TJFs also induced cell cycle progression, inhibited type І 5α-reductase, decreased apoptosis, and enhanced angiogenesis (vascular expansion). In addition to these signaling pathways, proteins including insulin-like growth factor-1 and keratinocyte growth factor, stimulating hair growth, were detected in the three-dimensional cell culture model.ConclusionsOur results confirmed that TJFs enhance HDP cell proliferation via the Akt/ERK/GSK-3β signaling pathway, suggesting a potential treatment for alopecia.

Effect of HRT and external resistances on power generation of sidestream microbial fuel cell with CNT-coated SSM anode treating actual fermentation filtrate of municipal sludge

A microbial fuel cell (MFC) with multiwall carbon nanotube (CNT) coated stainless steel mesh (SSM) coated anode (S-MFC) was operated with a filtrate generated by the fermentation of municipal primary sludge. The S-MFC's maximum power density (MPD: 69.8–164.9 W/m3) and energy recovery (ER: 0.15–0.60 kWh/kgCOD) were 7–21 times higher than those (3.8–27.3 W/m3 and 0.01–0.11 kWh/kgCOD) of MFC with a graphite felt as an anode (G-MFC). The microbial communities of S- and G-MFCs varied slightly depending on the electrode material. Chloroflexi (23.5%) was dominant in S-MFC, and Proteobacteria (25.3%) in G-MFC. Fermenting bacteria such as Rhodanobacter lindaniclasticus and Anaerolineaceae bacterium were dominated by continuous non-electrochemically active bacteria invasion because the actual fermentation filtrate was directly utilized as the substrate. Nevertheless, the CNT-coated SSM anode and the fermentation filtrate of primary sludge improved the power generation in MFC, which demonstrates the significant potential of this sidestream process for sludge treatment.

Screening and identification of antagonistic actinomycete LA-5 against Botrytis cinerea.

In this study, actinomycetes were isolated from rhizosphere soil of tomato by spread plate method, with the pathogen Botrytis cinerea as the target fungus. An actinomycete isolate LA-5 with strong antifungal activity was obtained by confrontation culture and Oxford cup double screening method. According to cultural characteristics, physiological and biochemical properties and 16S rDNA analysis, the strain LA-5 was primarily identified as Streptomyces chungwhensis. The second screening results showed that the fermentation filtrate of LA-5 could substantially inhibit the spore germination and mycelium growth of B. cinerea. Both conidium germination and mycelia growth could be inhibited by 100 times fermentation broth of LA-5, with the inhibiting rate being higher than 50%. Furthermore, the inhibited colony showed white mycelia, with sparse and thin aerial hypha, and the obviously decreased branches. Results from in vitro biocontrol experiment showed that control efficiency of filtrate from LA-5 fermentation liquid on B. cinerea could be up to 83.4%, indicating that the strain was a potential antagonist against tomato gray mold.

Mild temperature hydrothermal oxidation of anaerobic fermentation filtrate for carbon and nitrogen recovery in a regenerative life support system

Hydrothermal oxidation of fermentation filtrate was conducted in a tubular reactor to recover carbon (as CO2) and nitrogen (as NH4+ or NO3−) at mild temperature destined for use in a regenerative life support system. Temperature, residence time (tR), and the oxidizer equivalence ratio (OER) were the experimental variables in the oxidation tests. The highest carbon recovery achieved was 68.2%, with 80.1% of the total nitrogen being retained in the form of NH4+ or NO3− at 380 ℃, tR = 48 s and OER = 4.0. The effect of temperature, residence time and OER on carbon and nitrogen distribution were discussed. Moreover, a first-order reaction rate was applied by means of regression analysis to estimate the carbon conversion rates. Prolonging the residence time at 380 ℃ with OER = 3.0 is proposed to be a promising modification to increase both carbon and nitrogen recovery from the filtrate.

Effect H2SO4 and Zymomonas mobilis concentration to bioethanol production by bintaro fruit (cerbera manghas) substrate

Bintaro fruit (Cerbera manghas) contains 36.945 of cellulose and 38% of lignin which is potential as a source of raw material for making bioethanol. The purpose of this research is to know the effectiveness of formula in producing bioethanol by the process of bintaro. The methods used in this research are pretreatment, delignification, hydrolysis, fermentation, and distillation. Pretreatment was performed by subcooling the substrate at 80°C followed by milling it up to 60 mesh. Delignification was performed by soaking the substrate in 100°C of 1N NaOH and 1 barr for 30 minutes. Hydrolysis was carried out with sulfuric acid catalyst (H2SO4) variations of 5.5%, 6.0%, and 6.5% at 120°C for 60 minutes. Fermentation with Zymomonas in variation of 1%, 3%, and 5% at room temperature for 3 days. The fermented filtrate was distilled at 73°C to obtain ethanol and tested the levels of ethanol with chromatography gas. The results showed that the highest levels of ethanol is 9.977% resulted from 6.5% of sulfuric acid hydrolysis and 5% of Zymomonas mobilis fermentation. The high levels of ethanol is supported by qualitative test result of the presence of reducing sugars with fehling yielding of 7002 ppm red brick tested quantitatively by nelson somogyi method. In conclusion, the level of bioethanol produced is directly proportional to the increased concentration of sulfuric acid and Zymomonas mobilis. The conclusion is levels of bioethanol produced is directly proportional to the increase in the concentration of sulfuric acid and Zymomonas mobilis is used.

Valorization of coffee byproducts for bioethanol production using lignocellulosic yeast fermentation and pervaporation

Industrial residue management is a critical element of sustainable development. The aim of this research was to investigate the potential of different coffee waste fractions for bioethanol fermentation and its purification by pervaporation; these fractions and the role of pervaporation in this application have not been studied before. Bioethanol production from different coffee waste fractions has now been studied by acid or acid and enzymatic hydrolysis. The fermentation was conducted using two different yeasts (baker’s yeast and lignocellulosic yeast). By using the cellulolytic enzymes and lignocellulosic yeast, a higher bioethanol yield was achieved. Further purification of the fermented filtrate was carried out by an alcohol selective pervaporation membrane at four temperatures (23, 30, 40 and 50 °C). Hydrolysis of the samples using cellulose complex and β-glucosidase enzymes and fermentation with lignocellulosic yeast, followed by purification using pervaporation resulted a superior bioethanol yield of 51.7 ± 7.4 g/l for spent coffee and 132.2 ± 40 g/l for husk. Husk hydrolysis using cellulolytic enzymes and fermentation with lignocellulosic yeast, followed by product recovery through pervaporation membrane, was found to be the optimal procedure, producing ethanol at a concentration of 132.2 ± 40 g/l. In general, husk hydrolysis using acid and cellulolytic hydrolysis and fermentation with lignocellulosic yeast GSE16-T18 followed by pervaporation was found to be the best process for producing the highest ethanol yield compared to the other fractions of coffee waste samples.

The Biocontrol Efficacy of Streptomyces pratensis LMM15 on Botrytis cinerea in Tomato.

LMM15, an actinomycete with broad spectrum antifungal activity, was isolated from a diseased tomato leaf using the baiting technique. A phylogenetic tree analysis based on similarity percentage of 16S rDNA sequences showed that the bacterium was 97.0% affiliated with the species Streptomyces pratensis. This strain was therefore coded as S. pratensis LMM15. The ferment filtrate of LMM15 had ability to inhibit mycelia growth of Botrytis cinerea and reduce lesion expansion of gray mold on detached leaves and fruits. In greenhouse experiments, both the fresh and dry weights of tomato seedlings were significantly increased with the increased concentrations of total chlorophyll. The incidence of tomato gray mold decreased by 46.35%; this was associated with the increase of proline content and malondialdehyde (MDA) and the changes in defense-related enzymes on tomato leaves when the strain was sprayed on the tomato leaves 24 h prior to inoculation with pathogens. This study showed that the strain S. pratensis LMM15 could be a potential agent for controlling tomato gray mold.

In vitro screening and identification of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria against pathogen causing Astragalus root rot

The antagonistic effect of Bacillus spp. against Fusarium solani was evaluated by living body dual culture and Oxford cup method. The plant growth promoting properties of those strains that had obvious and stable antifungal activity were then tested. The results showed that the living body and bacteria-free fermentation filtrate of strain G10 both had obvious and stable antifungal effect to F. solani. Besides, the strain possessed such growth promoting properties as phosphate solubilization, nitrogen fixation, and production of IAA, amylase and HCN. Strain G10 was classified and identified as B. subtilis by a combination of morphological, physiological and biochemical tests, 16 SrDNA gene sequence analysis and the BBL CrystalTM bacteria identification. In conclusion, B. subtilis G10 has the basic characteristics of multifunctional strains and could be one of the microbiological resources for developing special bio-control agent against Astragalus root rot.

Species of Genus Ganoderma (Agaricomycetes) Fermentation Broth: A Novel Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Agent.

The bioactivity of Ganoderma lucidum basidiocarps has been well documented, but there are no data on the medicinal properties of its submerged cultivation broth nor on the other species of the genus Ganoderma. Thus the aim of this study was to test the potential antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of fermentation broth obtained after submerged cultivation of G. applanatum, G. carnosum, and G. lucidum. DPPH· scavenging ability, total phenols, and flavonoid contents were measured to determine the antioxidative potential of Ganoderma spp. fermentation filtrates, whereas their antimicrobial potential was studied using the microdilution method. DPPH· scavenging activity of G. lucidum fermentation filtrates was significantly higher than that of G. applanatum and G. carnosum, with the maximum (39.67%) obtained from strain BEOFB 432. This filtrate also contained the highest concentrations of phenols (134.89 μg gallic acid equivalents/mL) and flavonoids (42.20 μg quercetin equivalent/mL). High correlations between the activity and phenol content in the extracts showed that these compounds were active components of the antioxidative activity. G. lucidum strain BEOFB 432 was the most effective antibacterial agent, whereas strain BEOFB 434 has proven to be the most effective antifungal agent. The study showed that Ganoderma spp. fermentation filtrates are novel potent antioxidative and antimicrobial agents that could be obtained more quickly and cheaper than basidiocarps.

Novel alkali-thermostable xylanase from Thielaviopsis basicola (MTCC 1467): Purification and kinetic characterization

A novel extracellular alkali-thermostable xylanase was purified to an apparent homogeneity from the submerged fermented culture filtrate of Thielaviopsis basicola MTCC 1467, wherein, the fungus was fed with rice straw as prime carbon source. SDS-PAGE analysis of the xylanase showcased molecular weight of ∼32kDa. This extracellular protein macromolecule had maximum xylanolytic activity at pH 5.5 and 60°C, and was stable in the range of pH 5.0–10.0 for 5 days retaining >70% activity. The enzyme was stable at 30–50°C for 5h retaining >85% activity and further by retaining 70% activity at 60°C for 2h. The enzyme deactivation constants (kd) were in range of 0.41–1.3. The kinetic experiments specified that the enzyme had Km and Vmax values of 1.447±0.22mgmL−1 and 60.04±1.25IUmL−1, respectively, for xylan. The purified xylanase was significantly inhibited by Cu2+ and Zn2+ (∼58%), whilst Ca2+ and Na+ ions displayed partial inhibition (<8%) Intriguingly, the K+ and Mn2+ ions enhanced the activity by about ∼10%. Both SDS and EDTA reduced its activity by ∼20%.

Galactomyces fermentation filtrate prevents T helper 2-mediated reduction of filaggrin in an aryl hydrocarbon receptor-dependent manner.

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) recognizes diverse small molecules such as dioxins, tryptophan photoproducts and phytochemicals. It also plays crucial roles in epidermal homeostasis by upregulating epidermal barrier proteins. In preliminary screening, we found that Galactomyces fermentation filtrate (GFF), a cosmetic compound, was capable of activating AhR. To examine whether GFF upregulates the expression of the filaggrin and loricrin genes, FLG and LOR, in an AhR-dependent manner. The activation (cytoplasmic to nuclear translocation) of AhR was confirmed by immunofluorescence study and by upregulation of an AhR-specific marker, cytochrome P450-1A1 (CYP1A1). Gene expression levels were compared by quantitative reverse transcription PCR with or without GFF, interleukin (IL)-4 or IL-13 in normal human keratinocytes. AhR or control knockdown was carried out by transfection with AhR or control small interfering RNA. The protein expression of FLG and LOR was examined by immunohistochemistry using a three-dimensional epidermal equivalent treated with or without GFF or T helper (Th)2 cytokines. GFF induced the nuclear translocation of AhR with significant and dose-dependent upregulation of CYP1A1, FLG and LOR gene expression. The enhancing effects of GFF were abolished in AhR-knockdown keratinocytes. Th2 cytokines decreased expression of genes for FLG and LOR, and this expression was completely restored in the presence of GFF. The downregulated expression of the FLG gene with its restoration by GFF was also evident in the epidermal equivalent. GFF also upregulated the gene expression of genes encoding occludin, claudin-1 and 4, and kallikrein 5 and 7. Use of GFF is feasible to prevent the Th2-mediated reduction of FLG in an AhR-dependent fashion.

Streptomyces felleus YJ1: Potential Biocontrol Agents Against the Sclerotinia Stem Rot (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum) of Oilseed Rape

In order to explore the biocontrol potential of Streptomyces felleus YJ1 to sclerotinia stem rot of oilseed rape, we evaluated the effects of YJ1 as antagonistic strain on Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, including germination and formation of sclerotia, ascospore germination, mycelial growth and YJ1 colonization ability. We found the fermentation filtrate of YJ1 could inhibit sclerotia and ascospore germination and mycelial growth. In dual culture the inhibition zone diameter of YJ1 against S. sclerotiorum was 11.0 mm, and the inhibition rate reached to 80.26%. The ascospores germination was also significantly inhibited by YJ1 fermentation filtrate. In addition, YJ1 could colonize stably in rhizosphere and roots of rape. Otherwise, in the greenhouse we found the lesion would become smaller and slighter if the inoculated leaves were pretreated with YJ1 fermentation liquid. Therefore, our results strongly suggested that YJ1 was a promising biocontrol agent for control of oilseed rape sclerotinia stem rot.

Galactomyces ferment filtrate reduces melanin synthesis and oxidative stress in normal human melanocytes

Galactomyces ferment filtrate reduces melanin synthesis and oxidative stress in normal human melanocytes

Antrodia salmonea in submerged culture exhibits antioxidant activities in vitro and protects human erythrocytes and low-density lipoproteins from oxidative modification

Antrodia salmonea is well known in Taiwan as a beneficial mushroom. In the present study, we investigated the antioxidant activity of whole fermented broth (AS), filtrate (ASF), and mycelia (ASM) of A. salmonea using different antioxidant models. Furthermore, the effect of A. salmonea on AAPH-induced oxidative hemolysis of human erythrocytes and CuSO4-induced oxidative modification of human low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) was examined. We found that the AS, ASF, and ASM possess effective antioxidant activity against various oxidative systems including superoxide anion scavenging, reducing power, metal chelation, and DPPH radical scavenging. Further, AAPH-induced oxidative hemolysis in erythrocytes was prevented by AS, ASF, and ASM. Notably, AS, ASF, and ASM appear to possess powerful antioxidant activities against CuSO4-induced oxidative modification of LDL as assessed by malondialdehyde (MDA) formation, cholesterol degradation, and the relative electrophoretic mobility of oxidized LDL. It is noteworthy that AS had comparatively strong antioxidant ability compared to ASF or ASM, which is well correlated with the content of their total polyphenols. Thus, A. salmonea may exert antioxidant properties and offer protection from atherogenesis.

Human keratinocyte caspase-14 expression is altered in human epidermal 3D models by dexamethasone and by natural products used in cosmetics

Caspase-14 is a cysteinyl-aspartate-specific proteinase that is specifically expressed in epidermal keratinocytes. Dysregulation of caspase-14 expression is implicated in impaired skin barrier formation. To elucidate the regulation of caspase-14 in differentiated keratinocytes, we characterized the expression of caspase-14 in normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEKs) and two types of three-dimensional (3D) human epidermis culture models, EPI-200 and EPI-201, via RT-PCR and immunoblot analyses. Caspase-14 expression was absent in subconfluent NHEKs, but was present in confluent NHEKs as well as those induced to differentiate by calcium. Caspase-14 expression levels in the 3D epidermis models were almost equal to that in the Ca(2+)-treated differentiated NHEKs. Despite the presence of caspase-14 expression in these models, caspase-14 activity was found only in the mature 3D skin model, EPI-200. This was confirmed by detection of a 17kDa cleaved fragment of caspase-14 present only in the EPI-200 model. Since glucocorticoid (GC) receptor is required for skin barrier competence, we investigated whether the GC dexamethasone (Dex) and various natural components of common skin moisturizers affect caspase-14 expression in keratinocytes. Dex decreased caspase-14 expression in undifferentiated, but not differentiated, NHEKs. Conversely, Dex increased caspase-14 expression in both 3D skin models, although it did not alter caspase protease activity. Similar to treatment with Dex, treatment of the premature 3D skin mode, EPI-201 with a Galactomyces ferment filtrate markedly increased expression of caspase-14. Further, these results suggest that the effect of Dex, or lack thereof, on caspase-14 expression is dependent on the stage of keratinocyte differentiation.

Isolation and identification of endophytic bacteria from root tissues of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge. and determination of their bioactivities

Endophytic bacteria are microorganisms that live in host plants, but do not cause diseases to the hosts. This study examined the occurrence, distribution, growth-promoting and antifungal activities of endophytes in the root of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge. Six endophytic bacterial strains, which belong to genera of Pseudomonas, Rhizobium, Bacillus and Novosphingobium, were isolated from the root of healthy S. miltiorrhiza. Cell suspension (approx. 109 cell · ml−1) of two isolates and cell-free fermentation filtrate of four isolates substantially promoted the growth of hypocotyl and radicle of muskmelon seeds. The cell-free fermentation filtrate of six isolates had no inhibiting effect on tested pathogenic fungi, namely Fusarium solani, F. oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum and F. oxysporum. Six compounds were isolated from one of the six endophytic bacteria, namely, Bacillus aryabhattai, and two of these compounds displayed certain antifungal activity against three tested S. miltiorrhiza pathogens. Our work indicates that endophytic bacteria occur in the root of S. miltiorrhiza, and that associated bacterial isolates have growth-promoting effect on muskmelon seeds and are expected to be a potential source for bioactive metabolites.