[Species diversity of dark septate endophytes in tundra plants of Changbai Mountains, Northeast China]. / é•¿ç™½å±±è‹”åŽŸæ¤ç‰©æ·±è‰²æœ‰éš”å† ç”ŸçœŸèŒç‰©ç§å¤šæ ·æ€§.

We isolated the dark septate endophytic (DSE) fungi from roots of typical plant species in the tundra of Changbai Mountains Nature Reserve, including Rhododendron aureum, R. conferentiatum, Vaccinium uliginosum, and Dryas octopetala, and studied their colonization. We further investigated the DSE community composition and species diversity of the four tundra plant species by using morphological characteristics combined with rDNA ITS sequence analysis. The results showed that DSE formed a typical structure of "microsclerotia" in roots of the four plant species. A total of 69 strains of DSE fungi were isolated from the root samples, belonging to 10 genera, and 12 species. They were Phialocephala fortinii, Alternaria alternata, A. tenuissima, Epicocum nigrum, Canariomyces microsporus, Colletotrichum spaethianum, C. camelliae, Leptophoria sp., Cladosporium cladosporioides, Phoma sp., Cadophora sp., and Discosia italica, respectively. The DSE fungal species diversity was rich, and all these fungal species were firstly reported as DSE fungi in the alpine tundra belt of China. Among them, Phialocephala fortinii was the common and dominant species of all tundra plants. The Simpson, Pielou, and Shannon diversity indices of DSE fungi of the four plant species of tundra differed significantly. Our results showed that tundra plants have rich diversity of DSE fungi, and they can form a good symbiotic relationship, which enhance the adaptability of tundra plants to the harsh environment.

Treasures in our backyard: unleashing the biotechnological potentials of endophytic fungi from Tanzanian mangroves.

Endophytic fungi are useful in a variety of biological processes and may find value in pharmaceutical settings. However, there hasn't been much research done on the bioactive compounds produced by mangrove fungal endophytes from the East African coast. Our previous research revealed a significant number of mangrove endophytic fungi in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. This study explores the antimicrobial and cytotoxic properties of these endophytic fungi. Crude extracts of 34 mangrove endophytic fungal isolates were screened, with thirteen showing antimicrobial activity against tested microorganisms. MIC and cytotoxicity tests revealed varying bioactivity. Aspergillus fumigatus (HMD45) was particularly potent against tested organisms (MIC = <0.195 to 0.391 mg/ml) and (LC50 = 36.001). GC-MS evaluation of HMD45 extracts indicated the existence of compounds including dodecanoic acid, n-heptadecanol-1, and n-hexadecanoic acid, which may contribute to its bioactivity. These findings offer insight into the bioactivity of mangrove endophytic fungi and trigger interest for further research.

Fungal endophytes of Taxus species and regulatory effect of two strains on taxol synthesis.

BACKGROUND: Taxol, derived from Taxus trees, is a valuable natural resource for the development of anticancer drugs. Endophytic fungi from Taxus trees are a promising alternative source of Taxol. However, the impact of plant-endophytic microbial interaction on the host's Taxol biosynthesis is largely unknown. RESULTS: In the current study, the diversity of endophytic fungi in three different Taxus species was analyzed using Internal Transcribed Spacer sequencing. A total of 271 Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) were identified, grouping into 2 phyla, 8 classes, 16 orders, 19 families, and 19 genera. Alpha and beta diversity analysis indicated significant differences in endophytic fungal communities among the various Taxus trees. At the genus level, Alternaria and Davidiella were predominantly found in T. mairei and T. media, respectively. By utilizing a previously published dataset, a Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to predict the taxol biosynthesis-related fungal genera. Following screening, two isolates of Alternaria (L7 and M14) were obtained. Effect of inoculation with Alternaria isolates on the gene expression and metabolite accumulation of T. mairei was determined by transcriptomic and untargeted metabolomic studies. The co-inoculation assay suggests that the two Alternaria isolates may have a negative regulatory effect on taxol biosynthesis by influencing hormone signaling pathways. CONCLUSION: Our findings will serve as a foundation for advancing the production and utilization of Taxus and will also aid in screening endophytic fungi related to taxol production.

Enhancing bioprocessing of red pigment from immobilized culture of gamma rays mutant of the endophytic fungus Monascus ruber SRZ112.

Considerable attention has been paid to exploring the biotechnological applications of several Monascus sp. for pigment production. In this study, our focus is on enhancing the bioprocessing of red pigment (RP) derived from the endophytic fungus Monascus ruber SRZ112. To achieve this, we developed a stable mutant strain with improved productivity through gamma irradiation. This mutant was then employed in the immobilization technique using various entrapment carriers. Subsequently, we optimized the culture medium for maximal RP production using the Response Surface Methodology. Finally, these immobilized cultures were successfully utilized for RP production using a semi-continuous mode of fermentation. After eight cycles of fermentation, the highest RP yield by immobilized mycelia reached 309.17 CV mL-1, a significant increase compared to the original titer. Importantly, this study marks the first report on the successful production of Monascus RP in a semi-continuous mode using gamma rays' mutant strain, offering prospects for commercial production.

Endophytic fungi: A future prospect for breast cancer therapeutics and drug development.

Globally, breast cancer is a primary contributor to cancer-related fatalities and illnesses among women. Consequently, there is a pressing need for safe and effective treatments for breast cancer. Bioactive compounds from endophytic fungi that live in symbiosis with medicinal plants have garnered significant interest in pharmaceutical research due to their extensive chemical composition and prospective medicinal attributes. This review underscores the potentiality of fungal endophytes as a promising resource for the development of innovative anticancer agents specifically tailored for breast cancer therapy. The diversity of endophytic fungi residing in medicinal plants, success stories of key endophytic bioactive metabolites tested against breast cancer and the current progress with regards to in vivo studies and clinical trials on endophytic fungal metabolites in breast cancer research forms the underlying theme of this article. A thorough compilation of putative anticancer compounds sourced from endophytic fungi that have demonstrated therapeutic potential against breast cancer, spanning the period from 1990 to 2022, has been presented. This review article also outlines the latest trends in endophyte-based drug discovery, including the use of artificial intelligence, machine learning, multi-omics approaches, and high-throughput strategies. The challenges and future prospects associated with fungal endophytes as substitutive sources for developing anticancer drugs targeting breast cancer are also being highlighted.

Biotransformation of Glaucic Acid Isolated from the Root of Lindera glauca by the Endophytic Fungi Penicillium Chrysogenum SHJ-07.

Glaucic acid isolated from the root of Lindera glauca, was investigated by the biotransformation methods via the endophytic fungi, resulting in the production of five new glausesquiterpenes A‒E (1‒5), along with a known analogue 6. Their structures were elucidated based on spectroscopic methods and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. In the bioassays, glausesquiterpene A (1) showed good inhibitory activity of NO production in LPS-activated RAW 264.7 macrophages with an IC50 value of 20.1 µM than positive control (Indomethacin, IC50 24.1 µM). Further in vitro studies demonstrated that glausesquiterpene A significantly suppressed the protein expression of iNOS and COX-2 at the concentration of 25.0 µM.

Induction of Three New Secondary Metabolites by the Co-Culture of Endophytic Fungi Phomopsis asparagi DHS-48 and Phomopsis sp. DHS-11 Isolated from the Chinese Mangrove Plant Rhizophora mangle.

Co-cultivation is a powerful emerging tool for awakening biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) that remain transcriptionally silent under artificial culture conditions. It has recently been used increasingly extensively to study natural interactions and discover new bioactive metabolites. As a part of our project aiming at the discovery of structurally novel and biologically active natural products from mangrove endophytic fungi, an established co-culture of a strain of Phomopsis asparagi DHS-48 with another Phomopsis genus fungus DHS-11, both endophytes in mangrove Rhizophora mangle, proved to be very efficient to induce the production of new metabolites as well as to increase the yields of respective target metabolites. A detailed chemical investigation of the minor metabolites produced by the co-culture of these two titled fungal strains led to the isolation of six alkaloids (1-6), two sterols (7, 8), and six polyketides (9-14). In addition, all the compounds except 8 and 10, as well as three new metabolites phomopyrazine (1), phomosterol C (7), and phomopyrone E (9), were not present in discrete fungal cultures and only detected in the co-cultures. The structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analysis, and the absolute configurations were assumed by electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. Subsequently, the cytotoxic, immunosuppressive, and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory properties of all the isolated metabolites were determined in vitro. Compound 8 exhibited moderate inhibitory activity against ConA-induced T and LPS-induced B murine splenic lymphocytes, with IC50 values of 35.75 ± 1.09 and 47.65 ± 1.21 µM, respectively.

Research on the Isolation of Endophytic Fungi from Papaya and the Prevention of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides.

Endophytic fungi can be used as a source of herbal antioxidants to overcome the limitations of low yield and lengthy growth cycles associated with using plants as raw materials for antioxidant production. Papaya fruit is often susceptible to infection by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides after harvest, leading to postharvest rot. Endophytic fungi were extracted with ethyl acetate, and the initial screening concentration was 100 mg/L. Seven strains were identified, with scavenging rates exceeding 50% and strong antioxidant activity. The IC50 values in DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging assays ranged from 19.72 to 84.06 mg/L and from 14.34 to 64.63 mg/L, respectively. Strain Y17 exhibited robust antioxidant activity (IC50 < 20 mg/L) and was identified as Penicillium rolfsii (MT729953) through ITS sequencing. Treatment of papaya fruit wounds with a fermentation broth of strain Y17 significantly inhibited the infection and colonization of anthracnose pathogens, resulting in a slowed disease incidence rate. This promoted the activity of protective enzymes, such as CAT, POD, and SOD, in the papaya fruit and slowed down the rate of MDA accumulation. This strain, which was found to have antioxidant activity in this study, has the potential to control anthracnose in papaya and has value in terms of further development and utilization.

Dynamics of Physiological Properties and Endophytic Fungal Communities in the Xylem of Aquilaria sinensis (Lour.) with Different Induction Times.

Xylem-associated fungus can secrete many secondary metabolites to help Aquilaria trees resist various stresses and play a crucial role in facilitating agarwood formation. However, the dynamics of endophytic fungi in Aquilaria sinensis xylem after artificial induction have not been fully elaborated. Endophytic fungi communities and xylem physio-biochemical properties were examined before and after induction with an inorganic salt solution, including four different times (pre-induction (0M), the third (3M), sixth (6M) and ninth (9M) month after induction treatment). The relationships between fungal diversity and physio-biochemical indices were evaluated. The results showed that superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) activities, malondialdehyde (MDA) and soluble sugar content first increased and then decreased with induction time, while starch was heavily consumed after induction treatment. Endophytic fungal diversity was significantly lower after induction treatment than before, but the species richness was promoted. Fungal ß-diversity was also clustered into four groups according to different times. Core species shifted from rare to dominant taxa with induction time, and growing species interactions in the network indicate a gradual complication of fungal community structure. Endophytic fungi diversity and potential functions were closely related to physicochemical indices that had less effect on the relative abundance of the dominant species. These findings help assess the regulatory mechanisms of microorganisms that expedite agarwood formation after artificial induction.

Impact of Irpex lenis and Schizophyllum commune endophytic fungi on Perilla frutescens: enhancing nutritional uptake, phytochemicals, and antioxidant potential.

BACKGROUND: Endophytic fungi (EF) reside within plants without causing harm and provide benefits such as enhancing nutrients and producing bioactive compounds, which improve the medicinal properties of host plants. Selecting plants with established medicinal properties for studying EF is important, as it allows a deeper understanding of their influence. Therefore, the study aimed to investigate the impact of EF after inoculating the medicinal plant Perilla frutescens, specifically focusing on their role in enhancing medicinal properties. RESULTS: In the current study, the impact of two EF i.e., Irpex lenis and Schizophyllum commune isolated from A. bracteosa was observed on plant Perilla frutescens leaves after inoculation. Plants were divided into four groups i.e., group A: the control group, group B: inoculated with I. lenis; group C: inoculated with S. commune and group D: inoculated with both the EF. Inoculation impact of I. lenis showed an increase in the concentration of chlorophyll a (5.32 mg/g), chlorophyll b (4.46 mg/g), total chlorophyll content (9.78 mg/g), protein (68.517 ± 0.77 mg/g), carbohydrates (137.886 ± 13.71 mg/g), and crude fiber (3.333 ± 0.37%). Furthermore, the plants inoculated with I. lenis showed the highest concentrations of P (14605 mg/kg), Mg (4964.320 mg/kg), Ca (27389.400 mg/kg), and Mn (86.883 mg/kg). The results of the phytochemical analysis also indicated an increased content of total flavonoids (2.347 mg/g), phenols (3.086 mg/g), tannins (3.902 mg/g), and alkaloids (1.037 mg/g) in the leaf extract of P. frutescens inoculated with I. lenis. Thus, overall the best results of inoculation were observed in Group B i.e. inoculated with I. lenis. GC-MS analysis of methanol leaf extract showed ten bioactive constituents, including 9-Octadecenoic acid (Z)-, methyl ester, and hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester as major constituents found in all the groups of P. frutescens leaves. The phenol (gallic acid) and flavonoids (rutin, kaempferol, and quercetin) were also observed to increase after inoculation by HPTLC analysis. The enhancement in the phytochemical content was co-related with improved anti-oxidant potential which was analyzed by DPPH (% Inhibition: 83.45 µg/ml) and FRAP (2.980 µM Fe (II) equivalent) assay as compared with the control group. CONCLUSION: Inoculation with I. lenis significantly enhances the uptake of nutritional constituents, phytochemicals, and antioxidant properties in P. frutescens, suggesting its potential to boost the therapeutic properties of host plants.

Identification, Characterization, and Antibacterial Evaluation of Five Endophytic Fungi from Psychotria poeppigiana Müll. Arg., an Amazon Plant.

Endophytic fungi, residing within plants without causing disease, are known for their ability to produce bioactive metabolites with diverse properties such as antibacterial, antioxidant, and antifungal activities, while also influencing plant defense mechanisms. In this study, five novel endophytic fungi species were isolated from the leaves of Psychotria poeppigiana Müll. Arg., a plant from the Rubiaceae family, collected in the tropical Amazon region of Bolivia. The endophytic fungi were identified as a Neopestalotiopsis sp., three Penicillium sp., and an Aspergillus sp. through 18S ribosomal RNA sequencing and NCBI-BLAST analysis. Chemical profiling revealed that their extracts obtained by ethyl acetate contained terpenes, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds. In a bioautography study, the terpenes showed high antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli. Notably, extracts from the three Penicillium species exhibited potent antibacterial activity, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 62.5 to 2000 µg/mL against all three pathogens: Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus faecalis (both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria). These findings highlight the potential of these endophytic fungi, especially Penicillium species as valuable sources of secondary metabolites with significant antibacterial activities, suggesting promising applications in medicine, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and environmental technologies.

Endophytic fungi from Cissus quadrangularis plant a promising source of bioactive compounds.

Cissus quadrangularis is a succulent, perennial plant belonging to the family Vitaceae typically found in Asia and Africa's tropical and subtropical forest zones. It is an ancient medicinal plant, containing phytosterols, polyphenols, flavonoids, carbohydrates, and ascorbic acid. Due to the presence of phytosterols it plays a crucial role in bone fracture healing. However, due to the limited resources of these medicinal plants there is a need to search for a reservoir of biologically active metabolites. This medicinal property of the plants therefore may be attributed to the endophytic fungi within the plant. This study includes isolation of endophytic fungi from C. quadrangularis and the characterization of fungal extracts. Three endophytes were isolated namely Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Colletotrichum siamense and Phoma sp. The qualitative analysis of targeted metabolites from Cissus quadrangularis stem and fungal extracts of all the three endophytes showed the presence of phytosterols. Methanol extracts of endophytes and C. quadrangularis plant exhibit significant antioxidant and the radical scavenging activity because of the presence of ß-carotene. The Ic50 value for stem and isolated endophytes was 5.748, 19.937, 7.00, and 6.493 respectively. This study will give further scope for studying the bone healing ability of phytosterol from the endophytic isolates of C. quadrangularis plant.

Roles of Endophytic Fungi Isolated from Mangifera indica L. in Promoting Plant Growth.

Endophytic fungi have been shown to synthesize bioactive secondary metabolites, some of which promote plant growth through various mechanisms. In our previous study, endophytic fungi were isolated from mango trees (Mangifera indica L.). The present study examined fifty endophytic fungal isolates for mineral solubilization activity, ammonia production, and siderophore production. It was shown that these isolates could produce phytohormones indole-3-acetic acid and gibberellic acid, as well as inhibit plant pathogens, specifically Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and Lasiodiplodia theobromae. The results showed that all the isolated fungal endophytes exhibited various activities. Based on the findings, two fungal endophytes-Aureobasidium pullulans CY.OS 13 and Aspergillus tamarii CY.OS 144-were selected for dual inoculation in chili plants under pot-scale conditions to investigate their potential to improve growth-related traits such as seed germination, shoot and root length, biomass, and chlorophyll content. Seed treated with A. pullulans CY.OS 13 and/or A. tamarii CY.OS 144 showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in seed germination and growth parameters of chili plants grown under pot-scale conditions. Particularly, chili plants whose seeds were injected with a combination of the two selected endophytic fungi showed the highest plant development traits. Therefore, the selected endophytic fungi have the potential to be used as biofertilizers, especially when combined. They could eventually replace chemical fertilizers because they are environmentally friendly, beneficial to humans, and can even promote sustainable agriculture.

Exogenous protectants alleviate ozone stress in Trifolium repens: Impacts on plant growth and endophytic fungi.

Industrialization-driven surface ozone (O3) pollution significantly impairs plant growth. This study evaluates the effectiveness of exogenous protectants [3 mg L⁻1 abscisic acid (ABA), 400 mg L⁻1 ethylenediurea (EDU), and 80 mg L⁻1 spermidine (Spd)] on Trifolium repens subjected to O3 stress in open-top chambers, focusing on plant growth and dynamics of culturable endophytic fungal communities. Results indicate that O3 exposure adversely affects photosynthesis, reducing root biomass and altering root structure, which further impacts the ability of plant to absorb essential nutrients such as potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), and zinc (Zn). Conversely, the application of ABA, EDU, and Spd significantly enhanced total biomass and chlorophyll content in T. repens. Specifically, ABA and Spd significantly improved root length, root surface area, and root volume, while EDU effectively reduced leaves' malondialdehyde levels, indicating decreased oxidative stress. Moreover, ABA and Spd treatments significantly increased leaf endophytic fungal diversity, while root fungal abundance declined. The relative abundance of Alternaria in leaves was substantially reduced by these treatments, which correlated with enhanced chlorophyll content and photosynthesis. Concurrently, EDU and Spd treatments increased the abundance of Plectosphaerella, enhance the absorption of K, Ca, and Mg. In roots, ABA treatment increased the abundance of Paecilomyces, while Spd treatment enhanced the presence of Stemphylium, linked to improved nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and K uptake. These findings suggest that specific symbiotic fungi mitigate O3-induced stress by enhancing nutrient absorption, promoting growth. This study highlights the potential of exogenous protectants to enhance plant resilience against O3 pollution through modulating interactions with endophytic fungal communities.

In vitro antiplasmodial and anticancer analyses of endophytic fungal extracts isolated from selected Nigerian medicinal plants.

Ethnomedicinal plants are thought to have better prospects of harboring endophytes that produce natural products with pharmacological activities. This study aimed to investigate the antiplasmodial and anticancer properties of secondary metabolites of endophytic fungi from three medicinal plants. The endophytic fungi included Lasiodiplodia theobromae isolated from Cola acuminata, Curvularia lunata Bv4 isolated from Bambusa vulgaris, and Curvularia lunata Eg7 isolated from Elaeis guineensis. The identification of the fungi was based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS-rDNA) sequence. The fungi were subjected to solid-state fermentation and the secondary metabolites were extracted with ethyl acetate. In vitro antiplasmodial screening of extracts was performed using the SYBR green I-based fluorescence assay on the chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum strain DD2. The cytotoxicity of the extracts on human red blood cells and Jurkat (leukemia) cells was assessed using the tetrazolium-based colorimetric MTT assay. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis was used to identify the constituents of the fungal extracts. The extract of L. theobromae showed the best antiplasmodial activity against chloroquine-resistant P. falciparum (IC50 = 5.4 µg/mL) and was not harmful to erythrocytes (CC50 > 100 µg/mL). All three fungal extracts showed a weak cytotoxic effect against Jukart cell lines (CC50 > 100 µg/mL). GC-MS analysis of the three endophytic fungal extracts revealed the presence of forty major bioactive compounds, including: oxalic acid, isobutyl nonyl ester, 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol, and hexadecanoic acid, among others. The endophytic fungi from the medicinal plants in this study were promising sources of bioactive compounds that could be further evaluated as novel drugs for the treatment of malaria caused by P. falciparum-resistant strains.

Endophytic Fungi for Crops Adaptation to Abiotic Stresses.

Endophytic fungi (EFs) have emerged as promising modulators of plant growth and stress tolerance in agricultural ecosystems. This review synthesizes the current knowledge on the role of EFs in enhancing the adaptation of crops to abiotic stress. Abiotic stresses, such as drought, salinity, and extreme temperatures, pose significant challenges to crop productivity worldwide. EFs have shown remarkable potential in alleviating the adverse effects of these stresses. Through various mechanisms, including the synthesis of osmolytes, the production of stress-related enzymes, and the induction of plant defense mechanisms, EFs enhance plant resilience to abiotic stressors. Moreover, EFs promote nutrient uptake and modulate the hormonal balance in plants, further enhancing the stress tolerance of the plants. Recent advancements in molecular techniques have facilitated the identification and characterization of stress-tolerant EF strains, paving the way for their utilization in agricultural practices. Furthermore, the symbiotic relationship between EFs and plants offers ecological benefits, such as improved soil health and a reduced dependence on chemical inputs. However, challenges remain in understanding the complex interactions between EFs and host plants, as well as in scaling up their application in diverse agricultural systems. Future research should focus on elucidating the mechanisms underlying endophytic-fungal-mediated stress tolerance and developing sustainable strategies for harnessing their potential in crop production.

Digirseophene A promotes recovery in injured developing cerebellum via AMPK/AKT/GSK3ß pathway-mediated neural stem cell proliferation.

Neural stem cells (NSCs) exhibit a remarkable capacity for self-renewal and have the potential to differentiate into various neural lineage cells, which makes them pivotal in the management of neurological disorders. Harnessing the inherent potential of endogenous NSCs for enhancing nerve repair and regeneration represents an optimal approach to addressing diseases of the nervous system. In this study, we explored the potential of a novel benzophenone derivative named Digirseophene A (DGA), which was isolated from the endophytic fungus Corydalis tomentella. Previous experiments have extensively identified and characterized DGA, revealing its unique properties. Our findings demonstrate the remarkable capability of DGA to stimulate neural stem cell proliferation, both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, we established a model of radiation-induced cerebellar injury to assess the effects of DGA on the distribution of different cell subpopulations within the damaged cerebellum, thereby suggesting its beneficial role in cerebellar repair. In addition, our observations on a primary NSCs model revealed that DGA significantly increased cellular oxygen consumption, indicating increased energy and metabolic demands. By utilizing various pathway inhibitors in combination with DGA, we successfully demonstrated its ability to counteract the suppressive impacts of AMPK and GSK3ß inhibitors on NSC proliferation. Collectively, our research results strongly suggest that DGA, as an innovative compound, exerts its role in activating NSCs and promoting injury repair through the regulation of the AMPK/AKT/GSK3ß pathway.

Anti-inflammatory potential of aconitine produced by endophytic fungus Acremonium alternatum.

Argemone mexicana belonging to family Papaveraceae is a traditional medicinal plant widely utilized by tribal people in India for treating various ailments like skin infections, wounds and inflammation. This plant is very rich in alkaloidal content, which has a great potential in the treatment of anti-inflammatory disorders. Therapeutically promising bioactive molecules are often produced by endophytic fungi associated with medicinal plants. In this investigation, endophytic fungi were isolated from various parts of A. mexicana and screened for alkaloidal content. Among these, one of the fungal isolate, Acremonium alternatum AMEF-5 producing maximum alkaloids showed significant anti-inflammatory activity. Fractionation of this crude fungal extract through column chromatography yielded eight fractions, which were further screened for anti-inflammatory activities. Fraction 3 exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity by the inhibition of lipoxygenase enzyme (IC50 15.2 ± 0.09 µg/ml), scavenging of the nitric oxide radicals (IC50 11.38 ± 0.35 µg/ml), protein denaturation (IC50 14.93 ± 0.4 µg/ml), trypsin inhibition (IC50 12.06 ± 0.64 µg/ml) and HRBC stabilization (IC50 11.9 ± 0.22 µg/ml). The bioactive alkaloid in fraction 3 was identified as aconitine which was confirmed by UV, FTIR, HPLC, HRMS, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR analysis. This study demonstrates that endophytic fungi serve a potential source for sustainable production of therapeutically important alkaloids.

Endophytic Trichoderma: Potential and Prospects for Plant Health Management.

The fungus Trichoderma is widely regarded as the most common fungal biocontrol agent for plant health management. More than 25 Trichoderma species have been extensively studied and have demonstrated significant potential in inhibiting not only phytopathogen growth but also insect pest infestations. In addition to their use as biopesticides, there is increasing evidence that several Trichoderma species can function as fungal endophytes by colonizing the tissues of specific plants. This colonization enhances a plant's growth and improves its tolerance to abiotic and biotic stresses. In recent decades, there has been a proliferation of literature on the role of Trichoderma endophytes in crop protection. Although the mechanisms underlying plant-fungal endophyte interactions are not yet fully understood, several studies have suggested their potential application in agriculture, particularly in the mitigation of plant pests and diseases. This review focuses on the diversity of Trichoderma endophytic strains and their potential use in controlling specific diseases and pests of crop plants. Trichoderma endophytes are considered a potential solution to reduce production costs and environmental impact by decreasing reliance on agrochemicals.

Optimisation of indole acetic acid production by Neopestalotiopsis aotearoa endophyte isolated from Thymus vulgaris and its impact on seed germination of Ocimum basilicum.

BACKGROUND: Microbial growth during plant tissue culture is a common problem that causes significant losses in the plant micro-propagation system. Most of these endophytic microbes have the ability to propagate through horizontal and vertical transmission. On the one hand, these microbes provide a rich source of several beneficial metabolites. RESULTS: The present study reports on the isolation of fungal species from different in vitro medicinal plants (i.e., Breynia disticha major, Breynia disticha, Duranta plumieri, Thymus vulgaris, Salvia officinalis, Rosmarinus officinalis, and Ocimum basilicum l) cultures. These species were tested for their indole acetic acid (IAA) production capability. The most effective species for IAA production was that isolated from Thymus vulgaris plant (11.16 µg/mL) followed by that isolated from sweet basil plant (8.78 µg/mL). On screening for maximum IAA productivity, medium, "MOS + tryptophan" was chosen that gave 18.02 µg/mL. The macroscopic, microscopic examination and the 18S rRNA sequence analysis indicated that the isolate that given code T4 was identified as Neopestalotiopsis aotearoa (T4). The production of IAA by N. aotearoa was statistically modeled using the Box-Behnken design and optimized for maximum level, reaching 63.13 µg/mL. Also, IAA extract was administered to sweet basil seeds in vitro to determine its effect on plant growth traits. All concentrations of IAA extract boosted germination parameters as compared to controls, and 100 ppm of IAA extract exhibited a significant growth promotion effect for all seed germination measurements. CONCLUSIONS: The IAA produced from N. aotearoa (T4) demonstrated an essential role in the enhancement of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) growth, suggesting that it can be employed to promote the plant development while lowering the deleterious effect of using synthetic compounds in the environment.