Potential Source Of Bioactive Metabolites Research Articles

Microbial allies: exploring fungal endophytes for biosynthesis of terpenoid indole alkaloids.

Terpenoid indole alkaloids (TIAs) are natural compounds found in medicinal plants that exhibit various therapeutic activities, such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-helminthic, and anti-tumor properties. However, the production of these alkaloids in plants is limited, and there is a high demand for them due to the increasing incidence of cancer cases. To address this research gap, researchers have focused on optimizing culture media, eliciting metabolic pathways, overexpressing genes, and searching for potential sources of TIAs in organisms other than plants. The insufficient number of essential genes and enzymes in the biosynthesis pathway is the reason behind the limited production of TIAs. As the field of natural product discovery from biological species continues to grow, endophytes are being investigated more and more as potential sources of bioactive metabolites with a variety of chemical structures. Endophytes are microorganisms (fungi, bacteria, archaea, and actinomycetes), that exert a significant influence on the metabolic pathways of both the host plants and the endophytic cells. Bio-prospection of fungal endophytes has shown the discovery of novel, high-value bioactive compounds of commercial significance. The discovery of therapeutically significant secondary metabolites has been made easier by endophytic entities' abundant but understudied diversity. It has been observed that fungal endophytes have better intermediate processing ability due to cellular compartmentation. This paper focuses on fungal endophytes and their metabolic ability to produce complex TIAs, recent advancements in this area, and addressing the limitations and future perspectives related to TIA production.

Cultivating Health: a Comprehensive Study on Antimicrobial Activity and Phytochemical Composition of Coriander (Coriandrum Sativum) Seeds

The increasing rate of multi drug resistant pathogens and emergence of non-native pathogens, a quest for novel bioactive compounds has gained extensive attention. Plants have always been serving us as a potential source of bioactive metabolites further resulting in antimicrobial production which is of great use. Coriandrum sativum, commonly known as Coriander or Cilantro, has been celebrated for its culinary uses, adding a burst of flavor and flavor and aroma to dishes worldwide. Beyond its gastronomic delights, this herbaceous plant holds gem within its seeds- a treasure trove of antimicrobial compounds. Coriandrum sativum is one of those valuable plants that contain essential components known as ‘phytochemicals’ and microbe inhibiting property known as ‘antimicrobial property’. The present work is done to test whether Coriandrum sativum contains the phytochemicals and antimicrobial property or not. People consume it as remedy for various diseases like diarrhea, acidity, cholesterol, diabetes, UTI and many more. The phytochemical analysis of the seeds the plant was carried out and it was revealed that they produce essential phytochemicals like tannin, flavonoid, saponin, phenol, steroid, carbohydrate etc. Chemicals like chloroform, Fehling’s solution, H2SO4, HCl etc. were used for the phytochemical tests. The antimicrobial activity of the plant against gram positive and gram-negative bacterial species E. coli were also observed. To test the antimicrobial property, two different solvents Methanol and Petroleum ether were added to seed extract of the plant. Well diffusion method was used for this. After the analysis, positive result was observed which was indicated by a zone of inhibition.

Exploration of photoprotective and antibiotic activity of wild Polypodiaceae ferns from Costa Rica

Skin disorders affect millions of people all over the world. There are limited options to treat dermal illnesses such as vitiligo, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis (eczema). Central American ferns are a potential source of bioactive metabolites against those diseases. Currently, Polypodium leucotomos Poir. is the only one being commercially utilized for this purpose. In this work, we evaluated the concentration of the skin bioactive compounds: quinic and chlorogenic acid, in the extract of 20 wild ferns from Costa Rica. We also evaluated the antimicrobial capabilities of the crude extracts of wild ferns and the sun protection factor (SPF) of the extracts. We found 19 out of 20 have either an important concentration of the compounds mentioned above or antimicrobial properties. Also, most samples result in higher SPF than P. aureum’s rhizome. We also have studied the fern acclimatization, at different shading conditions, finding a significant influence of the culturing conditions on metabolite production. After acclimatization. So far, we demonstrate that various ferns included in this study are a potential source of treatments for skin conditions.

Identification and Characterization of Endophytic Fungi from Garcinia atroviridis for Potential Antagonistic Against Phytopathogenic, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides

Biological control is referred to as the “use of natural or modified organisms, genes” to minimize the effects of undesirable pests, pathogenic microorganisms, and diseases on plant crops. This measure has become a suitable and safe alternative for chemical fungicides in plant disease management. Endophytic fungi have received much attention as biological control agents against many plant pathogens through antibiosis, parasitism, invading spores, mycelium, and cells of the pathogen, and secreting bioactive metabolites. While the therapeutic properties of Garcinia atroviridis have been studied, the existence of microbial endophytes and their properties is still less documented. In this research, G. atroviridis endophytic fungi were isolated and identified by fungal colony morphology observation combined with the PCR-amplified fungal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequence analyses. Fungal endophytes were assessed for their biocontrol potential against Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. In total, 111 endophytic fungal isolates harboring inside the leaf, branch, and fruit of G. atroviridis belonged to 5 different species with 3 different genera and two unidentified genera. All the endophytic fungal species isolated were evaluated using an in vitro dual culture assay against C. gloeosporioides, a common pathogen that causes anthracnose disease. The results of the present study clearly showed that seven species of isolated fungal endophytes were capable of inhibiting the mycelial colony growth of C. gloeosporioides with an inhibition percentage between 54.67% to 87.94%. Among these species, Nigrospora sphaerica recorded the highest PIRG with 87.94%. Our work indicates that endophytic fungi isolated from G. atroviridis have a biocontrol effect on C. gloeosporioides and are expected to be a potential source of bioactive metabolites.

A comparative study on chemical profiles and biological activities of different extracts of three Verbascum species from Turkey: In vitro, in silico and network pharmacological approaches

The present study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant and enzyme inhibition properties of aerial part of Verbascum cheiranthifolium Boiss. V. myriocarpum Boiss. & Heldr. and V. pyroliforme (Boiss. & Heldr.) Kuntze as well as their chemical profiles. Results showed that MeOH and hydromethanol recovered the highest total polyphenolic content with highest content obtained from V. cheiranthifolium (27.61and 27.69 mg GAE/g respectively) and V. myriocarpum (24.24 and 25.34 GAE/g respectively). The estimated content of verbascoside was quite higher in V. cheiranthifolium (987.05–6780.07 mg/100 g) and V. myriocarpum (1506.47–6433.73 mg/100 g) than V. pyroliforme (49.54–121.97 mg/100 g). All extracts of V. cheiranthifolium (274.17–713.79 mg/100 g) and polar ones of V. myriocarpum (185.67–304.51 mg/100 g) accumulated higher chlorogenic acid content than V. pyroliforme extracts (36.33–112.56 mg/100 g). The latter species was dominated by luteolin-7-O-glucoside and apigenin-7-O-glucoside with highest content recorded from the hydromethanolic extract (639.70 and 196.14 mg/100 g respectively). Extracts of V. cheiranthifolium (46.15–48.74 mg TE/g) and V. myriocarpum (46.05–48.50 mg TE/g) exerted significantly higher scavenging activity than those from V. pyroliforme (12.77–34.64 mg TE/g). Highest significant anti-acetylcholinesterase activity was obtained by MeOH extract of V. pyroliforme (2.65 mg GALAE/g) and V. myriocarpum (2.57 mg GALAE/g). In conclusion, extracts from the three investigated Verbascum spp. can be a potential source of bioactive metabolites with interesting antioxidant and enzyme inhibition properties.

Phenolic Components and Antioxidant Capacity of Six Wild Passiflora Species from the Andean Region of Colombia

ABSTRACT Methanolic extracts were prepared from aerial biomass of wild populations of Passiflora coriacea, P. capsularis, P. magdalenae, P. smithii, P. vitifolia, and P. pittieri and evaluated for total phenols, tannins, and flavonoids. The qualitative and quantitative profiles of the extracts were established by UHPLC-ESI/MSMS, and their capacity to quench DPPH∙ and ABTS∙+ radicals was determined. There were positive correlations between the phenolic content and antioxidant capacity for all species analyzed, highlighting to P. vitifolia and P. pittieri which exhibited the highest values for all the determined parameters. Passiflora species from the Colombian Andean, may be a potential source of bioactive metabolites.

Exploration of non-phytopathogenic Aspergillus spp. isolates recovered from soil and compost as potential source of bioactive metabolites for potato Fusarium dry rot control.

During storage, infected potato tubers by Fusarium species leads to significant losses. Searching natural-based alternatives to chemical fungicides for the control of tuber dry rot pathogens is becoming essential. Nine Aspergillus spp. (A. niger, A. terreus, A. flavus, and Aspergillus sp.) isolates, recovered from soil and compost samples, were explored and evaluated for their ability to suppress Fusarium sambucinum the main causal agent of potato tuber dry rot disease in Tunisia. All conidial suspensions of Aspergillus spp. tested and their cell-free culture filtrates had significantly inhibited the in vitro pathogen growth by 18.5 to 35.9% and by 9 to 69% compared to control, respectively. A. niger CH12 cell-free filtrate was the most active against F. sambucinum at the three concentration tested (10, 15, and 20% v v-1). Chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts from four Aspergillus spp., tested at 5% v v-1, had limited F. sambucinum mycelial growth by 34-60% and 38-66%, respectively, compared to control, with A. niger CH12 ethyl extract being the most active. Tested on potato tubers inoculated with F. sambucinum, all tested Aspergillus spp. isolates, their cell-free filtrates and organic extracts had significantly decreased the external diameter of dry rot lesion compared to pathogen-inoculated and untreated control tubers. For the rot penetration, all Aspergillus spp. isolates, their organic extracts and only filtrates from A. niger CH12 and MC2 isolates had significantly limited dry rot severity compared to pathogen-inoculated and untreated control. The highest reductions in the external diameter of dry rot lesion (76.6 and 64.1%) and the average rot penetration (77.1 and 65.1%) were achieved using chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts from A. niger CH12, respectively. These results clearly demonstrated the presence of bioactive compounds in Aspergillus spp. that can be extracted and explored as an eco-friendly alternative for the control of the target pathogen.

Antimycobacterial activity and molecular docking of methanolic extracts and compounds of marine fungi from Saldanha and False Bays, South Africa

The number and diversity of drugs in the tuberculosis (TB) drug development process has increased over the years, yet the attrition rate remains very high, signaling the need for continued research in drug discovery. In this study, crude secondary metabolites from marine fungi associated with ascidians collected from Saldanha and False Bays (South Africa) were investigated for antimycobacterial activity. Isolation of fungi was performed by sectioning thin inner-tissues of ascidians and spreading them over potato dextrose agar (PDA). Solid state fermentation of fungal isolates on PDA was then performed for 28 days to allow production of secondary metabolites. Afterwards, PDA cultures were dried and solid-liquid extraction using methanol was performed to extract fungal metabolites. Profiling of metabolites was performed using untargeted liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS/MS). The broth microdilution method was used to determine antimycobacterial activity against Mycobacterium smegmatis mc2155 and Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv, while in silico flexible docking was performed on selected target proteins from M. tuberculosis. A total of 16 ascidians were sampled and 46 fungi were isolated. Only 32 fungal isolates were sequenced, and their sequences submitted to GenBank to obtain accession numbers. Metabolite profiling of 6 selected fungal extracts resulted in the identification of 65 metabolites. The most interesting extract was that of Clonostachys rogersoniana MGK33 which inhibited Mycobacterium smegmatis mc2155 and Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv growth with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 0.125 and 0.2 mg/mL, respectively. These results were in accordance with those from in silico molecular docking studies which showed that bionectin F produced by C. rogersoniana MGK33 is a potential inhibitor of M. tuberculosis β-ketoacyl-acyl carrier protein reductase (MabA, PDB ID = 1UZN), with the docking score observed as −11.17 kcal/mol. These findings provided evidence to conclude that metabolites from marine-derived fungi are potential sources of bioactive metabolites with antimycobacterial activity. Even though in silico studies showed that bionectin F is a potent inhibitor of an essential enzyme, MabA, the results should be validated by performing purification of bionectin F from C. rogersoniana MGK33 and in vitro assays against MabA and whole cells (M. tuberculosis).

Pharmacological and metabolomic profiles of Musa acuminata wastes as a new potential source of anti-ulcerative colitis agents

Musa acuminata (MA) is a popular fruit peels in the world. Non-food parts of the plant have been investigated for their antioxidant and anti-ulcerative colitis activity. Metabolomic approaches were found to be informative as a screening tool. It discovered different metabolites depending on statistical analysis. The antioxidant activity content was measured by colorimetric method. Seventy six investigated metabolites were observed. The identities of some of these markers were confirmed based on their MS2 fragmentation and NMR spectroscopy. These include: cinnamic acid and its dimer 2-hydroxy-4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1H-phenalen-1-one beside; gallic acid and flavonoids; quercetin, quercetin-3-O-β-d-glucoside, luteolin-7-O-β-d-glucopyranoside. GC/MS analysis of MA peels essential oil led to identification of 37 compounds. The leaves, pseudostem and fruit peels extracts were tested for their safety and their anti-ulcerative colitis efficacy in rats. Rats were classified into: normal, positive, prednisolone reference group, MA extracts pretreated groups (250–500 mg/kg) for 2 weeks followed by induction of ulcerative colitis by per-rectal infusion of 8% acetic acid. Macroscopic and microscopic examinations were done. Inflammatory markers (ANCA, CRP and Ilβ6) were measured in sera. The butanol extracts showed good antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities as they ameliorated macroscopic and microscopic signs of ulcerative colitis and lowered the inflammatory markers compared to untreated group. MA wastes can be a potential source of bioactive metabolites for industrial use and future employment as promising anti-ulcerative colitis food supplements.

LC-ESI/LTQOrbitrap/MS Metabolomic Analysis of Fennel Waste (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) as a Byproduct Rich in Bioactive Compounds.

Food industries produce a high amount of waste every year. These wastes represent a source of bioactive compounds to be used to produce cosmetic and nutraceutical products. In this study, the possibility to retrain food waste as a potential source of bioactive metabolites is evaluated. In particular, metabolite profiles of different parts (bulb, leaves, stems and little stems) of fennel waste were investigated by liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-ESI/LTQ Orbitrap MS). To discriminate the different plant parts, a Multivariate Data Analysis approach was developed. Metabolomic analysis allowed the identification of different metabolites mainly belonging to hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, flavonoid glycosides, flavonoid aglycons, phenolic acids, iridoid derivatives and lignans. The identification of compounds was based on retention times, accurate mass measurements, MS/MS data, exploration on specific metabolites database and comparison with data reported in the literature for F. vulgare. Moreover, the presence of different oxylipins was relieved; these metabolites for the first time were identified in fennel. Most of the metabolites identified in F. vulgare possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and/or immunomodulatory properties. Considering that polyphenols are described to possess antioxidant activity, spectrophotometric tests were performed to evaluate the antioxidant activity of each part of the fennel.

Antibacterial, antioxidant, cytotoxic effects and GC-MS analysis of mangrove-derived Streptomyces achromogenes TCH4 extract

The in vitro biological activities of the ethyl acetate extract of the culture filtrate from Streptomyces achromogenes TCH4 (TCH4 extract) were evaluated. The ethyl acetate extract of TCH4 produced a bacteriostatic effect against Enterobacter cloacae, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Bacillus subtilis, methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The extract had bactericidal activity against S. aureus, S. saprophyticus, S. aureus (MRSA) and K. pneumoniae with minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values in the range of 500-1000 ?g/mL. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents in TCH4 extract were 107.20?}2.57 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g and 44.91?}0.84 mg quercetin equivalent (QE)/g of dry extract. Antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH radical (IC50 299.64?}6.83 ?g/mL) and ABTS radical scavenging (IC50 65.53?}0.95 ?g/mL), and the ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) (822.76?}9.12 mM FeSO4.7H2O/g dry extract) assays. TCH4 extract exhibited cytotoxic activity in the DU-145 cell line (IC50 9.36?}0.37 ?g/ mL). Analysis of extract constituents by GC-MS revealed pyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazine-1,4-dione, hexahydro-3-(2-methylpropyl) (36.85%), benzeneacetamide (23.76%), and deferoxamine (12.85%) as the major compounds, which have been reported to possess pharmaceutical properties. S. achromogenes TCH4 could be a potential source of bioactive metabolites with antibacterial, antioxidant and anticancer activities for pharmaceutical applications.

Antifungal Activity of Bioactive Metabolites Produced by Trichoderma asperellum and Trichoderma atroviride in Liquid Medium.

Trichoderma spp. are known as biocontrol agents of fungal plant pathogens and have been recognized as a potential source of bioactive metabolites. The production of antimicrobial substances from strains T. atroviride (TS) and T. asperellum (IMI 393899) was investigated. The bioactivity of 10- and 30-day culture filtrate extracted with ethyl acetate was assessed against a set of pathogenic fungi and oomycetes. The 30-day extracts of both strains had significant cytotoxic effects against the tested pathogens, with values of minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) ranging between 0.19 and 6.25 mg/mL. Dual culture assay (direct contact and nondirect contact) and the percentage inhibition of radial growth (PIRG) was calculated. The highest PIRG values were 76% and 81% (direct contact) with IMI 393899 and TS, respectively. Nondirect contact does not show inhibition on any of pathogens tested, indicating that the inhibition is not due to the secretion of volatile substances. Culture filtrates were analyzed by GC-MS and HPLC-Q-TOF-MS for the identification of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nonvolatile organic compounds (nVOCs), respectively. Seven classes of VOCs and 12 molecules of nVOCs were identified. These results indicate that these strains of Trichoderma had antimicrobial activities and they are potential natural sources of compounds with biological activity.

Gelidium amansii Attenuates Hypoxia/Reoxygenation-Induced Oxidative Injury in Primary Hippocampal Neurons through Suppressing GluN2B Expression.

Oxidative stress is known to be critically implicated in the pathophysiology of several neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease and ischemic stroke. The remarkable neurotrophic activity of Gelidium amansii, which has been reported consistently in a series of our previous studies, inspired us to investigate whether this popular agarophyte could protect against hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)-induced oxidative injury in hippocampal neurons. The primary culture of hippocampal neurons challenged with H/R suffered from a significant loss of cell survival, accompanied by apoptosis and necrosis, DNA damage, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and dissipation of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), which were successfully attenuated when the neuronal cultures were preconditioned with ethanolic extract of G. amansii (GAE). GAE also attenuated an H/R-mediated increase of BAX and caspase 3 expressions while promoting Bcl-2 expression. Moreover, the expression of N-methyl-d-acetate receptor subunit 2B (GluN2B), an extrasynaptic glutamate receptor, was significantly repressed, while synaptic GluN2A expression was preserved in GAE-treated neurons as compared to those without GAE intervention. Together, this study demonstrates that GAE attenuated H/R-induced oxidative injury in hippocampal neurons through, at least in part, a potential neuroprotective mechanism that involves inhibition of GluN2B-mediated excitotoxicity and suppression of ROS production, and suggests that this edible seaweed could be a potential source of bioactive metabolites with therapeutic significance against oxidative stress-related neurodegeneration, including ischemic stroke and neurodegenerative diseases.

Phytochemical screening and in vitro antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant and antitumor activities of the red propolis Alagoas.

The study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity, antioxidant, toxicity and phytochemical screening of the Red Propolis Alagoas. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated by disk diffusion method. Determination of antioxidant activity was performed using the DPPH assay (1.1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl), FTC (ferric thiocyanate) and determination of phenolic compounds by Follin method. Toxicity was performed by the method of Artemia salina and cytotoxicity by MTT method. The phytochemical screening for the detection of allelochemicals was performed. The ethanol extract of propolis of Alagoas showed significant results for antimicrobial activity, and inhibitory activity for Staphylococcus aureus and Candida krusei. The antioxidant activity of the FTC method was 80% to 108.3% hydrogen peroxide kidnapping, the DPPH method showed an EC50 3.97 mg/mL, the content of total phenolic compounds was determined by calibration curve gallic acid, resulting from 0.0005 mg/100 g of gallic acid equivalent. The extract was non-toxic by A. salina method. The propolis extract showed high activity with a higher percentage than 75% inhibition of tumor cells OVCAR-8, SF-295 and HCT116. Chemical constituents were observed as flavonones, xanthones, flavonols, and Chalcones Auronas, Catechins and leucoanthocyanidins. It is concluded that the extract can be tested is considered a potential source of bioactive metabolites.

The content of triterpene saponins and phenolic compounds in American ginseng hairy root extracts and their antioxidant and cytotoxic properties

Panax quinquefolium is a perennial herb of the Araliaceae family native to North America. Its roots have been used in traditional and Chinese medicine. The aim of this study was to determine the phenolic profile of methanolic extracts of P. quinquefolium hairy roots cultivated in flasks and a bioreactor, as well as extracts from the roots of three-year-old field-grown plants. Additionally, the phenol and ginsenoside components of the tested extracts were identified by HPLC, and their antioxidant and cytotoxic properties were evaluated. The antioxidant effect was evaluated by FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power), and ABTS ([2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) cation scavenging tests, and their effect on the viability of the glioblastoma cell (T98G) line was measured using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The LC–MS/MS analysis revealed the presence of 16 phenolic compounds identified as phenolic acids (ten compounds) or flavonoids (six compounds). The highest phenol content was observed in the transformed roots of flask-grown P. quinquefolium (1.6 mg g−1 d.w.), followed by these grown in the bioreactor (1.1 mg g−1 d.w.). However, the highest ginsenoside content was found in the roots of the naturally-cultivated plants (67.6 mg g−1 d.w.). The methanolic extracts from hairy root culture of P. quinquefolium appear to have significant antioxidant and cytotoxic potential. Such transformed American ginseng root cultures could represent a potential source of bioactive metabolites for the food or pharmaceutical industry.

A Comparative Assessment of Biological Effects and Chemical Profile of Italian Asphodeline lutea Extracts.

The present study aims to highlight the therapeutic potential of Asphodeline lutea (AL), a wild edible plant of the Mediterranean diet. Roots, aerial parts, and flowers of AL at two different phenological stages were collected from three locations in Italy. The inhibitory activities of extracts on strategic enzymes linked to human diseases were assessed. The antioxidant properties were evaluated in vitro, using six standard bioassays. The phenolic and anthraquinone profiles were also established using HPLC-PDA. Zinc, cadmium, lead, and copper contents were also determined. All the samples inhibited acetylcholinesterase (from 1.51 to 2.20 mg GALAEs/g extract), tyrosinase (from 7.50 to 25.3 mg KAEs/g extract), and α-amylase (from 0.37 to 0.51 mmol ACAEs/g extract). Aloe-emodin and physcion were present in all parts, while rhein was not detected. The phenolic profile and the heavy metals composition of specimens gathered from three different regions of Italy were different. It can be argued that samples collected near the street can contain higher concentrations of heavy metals. The experimental data confirm that the A. lutea species could be considered as a potential source of bioactive metabolites, and its consumption could play a positive and safe role in human health maintenance.

Leaves metabolomic profiling of Musa acuminata accessions using UPLC–QTOF–MS/MS and their antioxidant activity

Musa acuminata (Musaceae) is a wild species native to South East Asia. In addition to its potential as a food crop, different non-food morphological parts of the plant have been investigated for various pharmacological activities, including anticholinesterase and antioxidant activity. This study aimed to characterize Musa leaf extracts based on their phenolic composition and their agro-morphological traits. A metabolomic approach was applied to discover biomarkers that can be used to separate eight accessions of the species originating from five different countries. Statistical analysis was employed for data analysis. The antioxidant activity and total phenolic content was measured by Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assay and Folin-Ciocalteu colorimetric method, respectively. Over 500 metabolites were observed. Thirty-one of them were important for defining variations among the accessions. The identities of some of these markers were confirmed based on their MS2 fragmentation. These include Quercetin O-rhamnoside-O hexoside (m/z 609), Kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside (m/z 593), Quercetin O hexoside (m/z 463), Hexadecanoic acid (m/z 255), Rhamnoside-O-rutinoside (m/z 623). Country of origin and methods of extraction did not play any significant role in the separation, although extraction of accessions by Soxhlet gave better yield (20.0-60.0%) than by sonication (18.4-23.0%). Accession TMp 24 from Nigeria gave the highest yield in both methods of extraction. The sonicated accession TMb 8 exhibited highest antioxidant activity having FRAP values of 49.14 mg GAE/g and 125.10 mg TROLOX/g. The next accession in FRAP activity was the sonicated leaf extract of TMb 116 with 31.69 mg GAE/g and 121.57 mg TROLOX/g. The PCA analysis allowed the separation of the accessions into two groups. The metabolomics approach was found to be informative as a screening tool of the Musa accessions. The extracts showed good antioxidant activity and can be a potential source of bioactive metabolites for industrial use.

Recent Updates on the Phytochemistry, Pharmacological, and Toxicological Activities of Zingiber zerumbet (L.) Roscoe ex Sm.

Zingiber zerumbet (L.) Roscoe ex Sm. (family, Zingiberaceae) is a potent medicinal herb widely known as shampoo ginger and its rhizome is used in numerous ethnomedicinal applications including antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-diarrheal, antidiabetics, carminative, and diuretic. The aim of this review was to bring together all the scientific updates on the phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of this herb, including their toxicological studies, and critically analyzed the outcomes to provide directions for future research on the herb as potential source of bioactive metabolites for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications. A structured electronic search on worldwide accepted scientific databases (Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, SciFinder, Wiley Online Library) was carried out to compile the relevant information. Some information was obtained from books and database on medicinal plants used in various countries. About 60 metabolites, mainly polyphenols, and terpenoids have been isolated and identified. However, most of the reported pharmacological studies were based on crude extracts, and only a few of those isolated metabolites, particularly zerumbone have been investigated for biological and pharmacological activities. Many of the mechanistic studies to understand the pharmacological effects of the plant are limited by many considerations with regard to design, experimentation and interpretation. The bioactive metabolites should be further investigated on their safety and more elaborate preclinical studies before clinical trials can be undertaken.

The endophytic bacteria producing IAA (Indole Acetic Acid) in Arachis hypogaea

Herlina L, Pukan KK, Mustikaningtyas D. 2017. The endophytic bacteria producing IAA (Indole Acetic Acid) in Arachis hypogaea. Cell Bio Dev 1: 31-35. Endophytic bacteria are bacteria living in plant tissue and forming colony without harms the host. Every cormophyte, plants that have a stem and root, may contain some endophytic bacteria which can produce biological compounds or secondary metabolites. The objective of the study was to obtain endophytic bacteria isolates from peanut plants (Arachis hypogaea) at three locations, and to test in vitro the ability of endophytic bacteria isolates for producing IAA, and also to analyze IAA on the growth and development of mungbean plants. The study was carried out in three stages; the first was the isolation of endophytic bacteria from the leaves, stems, and roots; the second was the test of in vitro endophytic bacteria isolates to know the ability of IAA production. IAA assay was measured by using a spectrophotometer with a wavelength of 535 nm, and the third was the introduction of IAA-producing endophytic bacteria in mungbean. The parameters observed were the length of sprouts and the number of lateral roots. The results showed that 16 isolates were selected based on IAA-producing ability. The isolates could produce different IAA with different morphological characteristics. After the fourth day of incubation, the highest and the lowest of IAA amount were 69.68 (mg L-1) and 8.50 (mg L-1) respectively. Isolates that produce high IAA levels are applied to mungbeans, it affects the number of lateral roots but it does not have effect on the length of the sprouts. DM and K1K1 isolates have the effect of increasing lateral root formation and are expected to be potential sources of bioactive metabolites.

Biological Evaluation of Endophytic Fungus Chaetomium sp. NF15 of Justicia adhatoda L.: A Potential Candidate for Drug Discovery.

BackgroundThe endophytes of medicinal plants, such as Justicia adhatoda L., represent a promising and largely underexplored domain that is considered as a repository of biologically active compounds.ObjectivesThe aim of present study was isolation, identification, and biological evaluation of endophytic fungi associated with the J. adhatoda L. plant for the production of antimicrobial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic compoundsMaterials and MethodsEndophytic fungi associated with the J. adhatoda L. plant were isolated from healthy plant parts and taxonomically characterized through morphological, microscopic, and 18S rDNA sequencing methods. The screening for bioactive metabolite production was achieved using ethyl acetate extracts, followed by the optimization of different parameters for maximum production of bioactive metabolites. Crude and partially purified extracts were used to determine the antimicrobial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic potentialResultsOut of six endophytic fungal isolates, Chaetomium sp. NF15 showed the most promising biological activity and was selected for detailed study. The crude ethyl acetate extract of NF15 isolate after cultivation under optimized culture conditions showed promising antimicrobial activity, with significant inhibition of the clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus (87%, n=42), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (> 85%, n = 41), and Candida albicans (62%, n = 24).ConclusionsThe present study confirms the notion of selecting endophytic fungi of medicinal plant Justicia for the bioassay-guided isolation of its bioactive compounds, and demonstrates that endophytic fungus Chaetomium sp. NF15 could be a potential source of bioactive metabolites