Endophytic Fungi as Novel Resources of natural Therapeutics

ABSTRACT Fungal endophytes constitute a major part of the unexplored fungal diversity. Endophytic fungi (EF) are an important source for novel, potential and active metabolites. Plant-endophyte interaction and endophyte -endophyte interactions study provide insights into mutualism and metabolite production by fungi. Bioactive compounds produced by endophytes main function are helping the host plants to resist external biotic and abiotic stress, which benefit the host survival in return. These organisms mainly consist of members of the Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, Zygomycota and Oomycota. Recently, the genome sequencing technology has emerged as one of the most efficient tools that can provide whole information of a genome in a small period of time. Endophytes are fertile ground for drug discovery. EFare considered as the hidden members of the microbial world and represent an underutilized resource for new therapeutics and compounds. Endophytes are rich source of natural products displaying broad spectrum of biological activities like anticancer, antibacterial, antiviral, immunomodulatory, antidiabetic, antioxidant, anti-arthritis and anti-inflammatory.

Phytofabrication of silver nanoparticles using Myriostachya wightiana as a novel bioresource, and evaluation of their biological activities

ABSTRACT Nanobiotechnology deals with the properties of nanomaterials and their potential uses. Here we report for the first time novel, cost-effective and eco-friendly method for the rapid green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using leaf extracts of Myriostachya wightiana. The growth of silver nanoparticles was monitored by UV-vis spectroscopy complemented by Zeta potential, dynamic light scattering technique (DLS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Transmission electron microscope (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band found at 434 nm confirmed the reduction of AgNO3 to AgNPs. TEM micrographs revealed that AgNPs are irregular in shape with the size range from 15-65 nm. The functional groups responsible for bio-reduction of silver nitrate into silver were analyzed by FTIR and confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectrum (XPS). Further these biogenic AgNP were evaluated for insecticidal activities against stored product pests, Tribolium castaneum (Flour beetle), Rhyzopertha dominica (F.)(Lesser grain borer) and Sitophilus oryzae L (Rice weevil). The fabricated AgNPs showed moderate activity on stored pests and strong antibacterial activity with varying degrees against Xanthomonas campestris and Ralstonia solanacearum as evidenced by their zone of inhibition at all concentrations. Hence, these AgNP can be used as control agents against agricultural pests and pathogens in future.

In vitro antimicrobial screening of selected Indian medicinal plants.

We have examined antimicrobial activities of medicinal plants Abultilon indicum, Adenocalymma alliaceum, Carica papaya, Crotolaria laburnifilia, Croton bonplandianum, Derris scandens, Eichornia crassipes, Iopomea hispida, Moringa heterohylla, Peltophorum pterocarpum that have been popularly used as folk medicines. Scientific information on antimicrobial properties of various natural sources is still rather scarce. The antimicrobial activities of the organic solvent extracts on the various test microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi investigated using agar well diffusion technique. The length of inhibition zone was measured in millimeters from the edge of the well to the edge of the inhibition zone. Methanol extracts exhibited promising antimicrobial activity than chloroform and hexane extracts. The extracts from varies parts of plants were assessed in an effort to validate the medicinal potential of the herb. Our results showed plant extracts have significant levels of antimicrobial activity.