Culturable Streptomyces spp. from high-altitude, oligotrophic North Western Himalaya: a comprehensive study on the diversity, bioactivity and insights into the proteome of potential species.

The increasing global concern of antimicrobial resistance and shortage of new antimicrobials necessitates exploring untapped terrestrial environments for new bioactive microbiome diversity. The low-temperature and oligotrophic North Western Himalaya (NWH) region has a vast diversity of Streptomyces with potential antimicrobial properties that remain largely unexplored. This study evaluates the diversity of culturable Streptomyces from high-altitude NWH and their potential as a source of new antimicrobials through genus-specific isolation and identification. The results demonstrate a distinct phylogenetic clustering of Streptomyces from different sampling regions of NWH, site-specific variation in culturable ß-diversity and species commonness with varying intersite bioactivity among different sites. Further, the study optimized the media selection for large-scale culture cultivation in antibiotic production processes and demonstrated the antimicrobial efficacy of Streptomyces against a range of pathogens through in vitro bioassays using minimum inhibitory concentration determination and antibiofilm activity. Untargeted label-free proteomic profiling also revealed variable expression of stress-response proteins and antibiotic regulators as a competitive survival strategy for selective antagonistic Streptomyces. The findings highlight the potential of NWH in augmenting antimicrobial discovery and combating antimicrobial resistance through the isolation and study of novel bioactive Streptomyces.

Critical review on Rumex dentatus L. a strong pharmacophore and the future medicine: Pharmacology, phytochemical analysis and traditional uses.

Objectives: Rumex dentatus L. (polygonaceae) is one of the most important species of genus Rumex widely utilized for the treatment of various human diseases. Most parts of the plant species like leaves, shoots and roots are found to be rich in many pharmacologically important bioactive constituents that are useful against many diseases like acariasis, eczema, diarrhea, constipation, diuretic, astringent, refrigerants and various types of skin diseases. The main aim of the presented review is to highlight and document research findings carried out by different research groups on Rumex dentatus, like pharmacological potential, phytochemistry investigations based on presence of phytoconstituents, traditional uses and economic importance till date. The information so collected and documented will become available to researchers, scientists and botanists to explore the medicinal benefits of this prized herb for the assistance of mankind which in turn will open up new opportunities for more organized and collective research efforts towards utilization and scientific validation of its pharmacological potential. Methods: In-vitro and in-vivo preclinical animal studies have been included in detail. The reports and results have been taken from Scopus, Google Scholar, Web of Science, PubMed and Science Direct, Research gate, Articles & Advice, databases. Plant taxonomy studies were taken and confirmed from the available databases. "The Plant List", and "Mansfeld's Encyclopedia". Additional information on traditional uses, botany were obtained from published books. Key findings: From results and findings, it has been concluded that Rumex dentatus is a rich source of secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, anthraquinones, phenolics, phytosterols, phytoesteryl esters etc. The bactericidal, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-tumor and anti-dermatitis properties of Rumex dentatus have been attributed due to the presence of these phytochemicals. In this review, we present a critical account of its habitat, morphology, phyto-constituent profile, pharmacology and traditional uses, which will provide a source of information to the researchers for further studies. Conclusions: The disclosed review endorses that Rumex dentatus emerged a unique source of Endocrocin, Emodin, Emodin-glycoside, Chrysophenol-glycoside, Quercetin, Helonioside-A and a number of other important bioactive compounds. These isolated compounds have been found to be active against cancer, inflammation, tumor, dermatitis, acariasis, eczema and various bacterial infections, thus providing new insights for further promising investigations on isolated compounds. In addition, Rumex dentatus was found as an excellent traditional medicine against many cutaneous disorders. Taking into account the astounding pharmacological properties of Rumex dentatus in consideration, the plant species is a library of bio-active compounds with a strong biological profile, therefore needs an attention of botanical community around the globe to improve its growth for medicinal uses and commit to broaden research in this field for its proper utilization and scientific exploitation.

Isolation and characterisation of pharmaceutically versatile molecules from Rumex dentatus and evaluation of their cytotoxic activity against human cancer cell lines.

The disclosed study reveals isolation, characterization and anticancer evaluation of Rumex dentatus. The extracts and isolated compounds were used for cytotoxic activity against (lung (A549), pancreatic (MIAPaCa), colon (HCT-116), breast (MDA-MB-231) and breast (MDA-MB-468) cell lines. The extracts were screened for cytotoxicity using MTT colorimetric assay. Out of all extracts, methanolic (30) %: chloroform fraction (TAW6) with 75.01% inhibition at a concentration 100 µg/mL was observed. The selected extracts were further processed for column chromatography and led to isolation of seven compounds (A to G). The structural determination of isolated compounds was carried out using 1HNMR, 13CNMR, IR and HRMS. All the isolates were tested for cytotoxic activity and compound B was found most active with IC50 values 11.29 µg against HCT-116 (Colon). The compound B was then used for detailed study via transwell invasion assay and wound healing assay. Thus the significant anticancer activity particularly against colon cancerous cell lines recommends that the (Rumex dentatus) could act as a potential drug candidate for cancer, more particularly for colon cancer.

Dereplication approach for the first time isolation of tatarinowin a and pentadecanoic acid from Acorus calamus L. by using GC-MS.

In the present study, we report herein the isolation of cadinane-type sesquiterpenoid, tatarinowin A (ACH-6), and pentadecanoic acid (ACH-8) from petroleum ether extract of rhizome of Acorus calamus L. (Acoraceae) along with 6 other known compounds in this species. It is pertinent to mention here that this is the first report to stain these compounds in which dereplication approach based on GC-MS was applied to target unknown compounds ACH-6 and ACH-8 in A. calamus L. Derelpication approaches based on GC-MS is very useful technique in the area of drug discovery and have eminence potential to identify known and unknown compounds present in extracts of medicinal important plants. This technique can be used to expedite the process of purification of unknown compounds from different matrixes. The isolated compounds were identified with the help of inbuilt library search which reveals the presence of 17 known and 4 unknown compounds. Further, the structure elucidation of all isolated compounds was done using spectroscopy techniques. Also, the structure of ACH-6 was further confirmed by using the single-crystal X-ray diffraction technique.

Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic Potential of Helminthosporin from Rumex abyssiniscus Jacq. Discovered as a Novel Source of Syringic Acid and Bis(2-ethyloctyl) Phthalate.

Rumex abyssinicus Jacq. is a perennial medicinal herb widely used in traditional medicine to treat many diseases. Phytochemicals of the plant were isolated using column chromatography and thin layer chromatography techniques. Extract, fractions and pure compounds were screened for antimicrobial activity against sensitive and multi-drug resistant microbes and their cytotoxicity was performed on different cancer cell lines. The mechanism of action of purified helminthosporin as well as the potent fraction containing a mixture of two compounds was assessed. Fraction R7C3 was the most potent antibacterial with the lowest MIC value of 0.12 µg/mL. Helminthosporin was the most potent compound with the lowest MIC value of 1.95 µg/mL. The compound was more potent than the antibiotic chloramphenicol against multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria with MIC equal to 16 µg/mL. The fraction and helminthosporin were shown to destroy the cell wall of the yeast and bacteria, and DNA fragmentation effect on the genome of Candida albicans and Bacillus cereus. Helminthosporin was the most cytotoxic compound with IC50 ˂ 10 µM. Fraction R7C3 showed the most potent cytotoxic effects on all cancer cell lines, with IC50 ranging from ˂1 to 4.35 ng/mL. Our study is the first report on the mechanism of action of helminthosporin, a potent candidate in the development of new drugs against multi-resistant bacteria and cancer cells. In addition, this study uncovered Rumex abyssinicus as a new source of syringic acid and bis(2-ethyloctyl) phthalate.

Antiviral potential of anthraquinones from Polygonaceae, Rubiaceae and Asphodelaceae: Potent candidates in the treatment of SARS-COVID-19, A comprehensive review.

Medicinal plants are being used as an alternative source of health management to cure various human ailments. The healing role is attributed to the hidden dynamic groups of various phytoconstituents, most of which have been recorded from plants and their derivatives. Nowadays, medicinal plants have gained more attention due to their pharmacological and industrial potential. Aromatic compounds are one of the dynamic groups of secondary metabolites (SM) naturally present in plants; and anthraquinones of this group are found to be attractive due to their high bioactivity and low toxicity. They have been reported to exhibit anticancer, antimicrobial, immune-suppressive, antioxidant, antipyretic, diuretic and anti-inflammatory activities. Anthraquinones have been also shown to exhibit potent antiviral effects against different species of viruses. Though, it has been reported that a medicinal plant with antiviral activity against one viral infection may be used to combat other types of viral infections. Therefore, in this review, we explored and highlighted the antiviral properties of anthraquinones of Polygonaceae, Rubiaceae and Asphodelaceae families. Anthraquinones from these plant families have been reported for their effects on human respiratory syncytial virus and influenza virus. They are hence presumed to have antiviral potential against SARS-CoV as well. Thus, anthraquinones are potential candidates that need to be screened thoroughly and developed as drugs to combat COVID-19. The information documented in this review could therefore serve as a starting point in developing novel drugs that may help to curb the SARS-COVID-19 pandemic.

Protective effect of Bacillus species associated with Rumex dentatus against postharvest soil borne disease in potato tubers and GC-MS metabolite profile.

Potato is constantly exposed to various kinds of phytopathogens which cause diseases during the developmental stage and post-harvest storage. This investigation was designed to assay the anti-phytopathogen activity of bacterial endophytes and their suppressive effects on rot disease in potato. The study also aimed to screen isolates for their plant growth-promoting traits and establish GC-MS-based metabolite profile of the potent isolate. Endophytes were isolated from Rumex dentatus and identified based on 16S rRNA gene. They were screened in dual culture assay against fungal phytopathogens and the potent isolate was tested for its capability to suppress Fusarium rot disease in potato tubers. The mechanism of action of endophytes on the phytopathogens was assessed using scanning electron microcopy. Isolates were also screened in vitro to assay their capability to produce phytohormones, hydrolytic enzymes, and to solubilize phosphates. Endophytic isolates produced proteases with a diameter of halo zone ranging from 7 to 32 mm. Bacillus sp. KL5 exhibited the highest production of indole acetic acid (IAA) with the amount of 104.28 µg/mL and was the most potent antagonist of Fusarium oxysporum and Verticillium dahliae with an inhibitory percentage of 61.53 and 100%, respectively. It showed a reduction of potato rot disease severity by more than 50%. GC-MS of active fractions of KL5 showed the presence of dibutylphthalate and 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol as major metabolites. From this study, it is evident that endophytic Bacillus species from R. dentatus are potent antagonists of F. oxysporum and V. dahliae. Bacillus sp. KL5 is a potent inhibitor of pathogenic F. oxysporum in potato tubers and can be developed as a biocontrol agent.

Plant growth promoting potential of butyl isobutyl phthalate and Streptomyces sp. from Rumex dentatus on rice.

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is one of the most important staple foods consumed in many countries of the world. It is mostly consumed in developing countries where different chemical fertilizers are used to improve the productivity of the crop plant. In the present study, endophytic actinomycetes isolated from Rumex dentatus were identified morphologically and by scanning electron microscopy. Butyl isobutyl phthalate (BIBP) was isolated from the root endophyte Streptomyces sp. JR9 using column chromatography and HPLC methods. The compound was tested for its effect on rice seed germination. BIBP, extracts, and isolates were evaluated for their plant growth effect on rice in a growth chamber. Isolates were also screened in vitro for phosphate solubilization activity and enzyme production. Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and BIBP produced in extracts were quantified and detected using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) methods, respectively. BIBP was found to increase the germination of rice seeds by 6 to 12% in treated samples and displayed potent effect at lowest concentration (0.437 µM). Both the compound and the extract depicted significant increases in almost all growth parameters at lowest concentration of 0.125 µg/mL and 62.5 µg/mL, respectively. BIBP also increased significantly shoot length, fresh root, fresh shoot, and dried shoot weight at high concentrations and was more potent than the standard phytohormone IAA. HPLC quantification showed 7.952 µg/mg and 0.371 µg/mg of IAA in extracts of Streptomyces sp. JR9 and the stem endophyte Streptomyces sp. KS3, respectively. IAA containing extract of JR9 increased significantly most growth parameters at lowest concentration (125 µg/mL). The extract of KS3 depicted significant increases in almost all growth parameters at high concentration (500 µg/mL). Our investigation showed that streptomycetes isolated from R. dentatus and BIBP are potent growth promoting agents and can be used in agriculture as bio-fertilizer to improve the growth and productivity of rice. KEY POINTS: • Butyl isobutyl phthalate (BIBP) isolated from endophytic Streptomyces sp. JR9 is a potent rice seed germination activator and promotes significantly the growth of rice • Isolated endophytes showed the ability to produce enzymes and phytohormone IAA • Isolates enhanced significantly the growth of rice.

Comprehensive Review of Endophytic Flora from African Medicinal Plants.

Many people in different African countries are suffering from different diseases many of which result in serious life threat and public health problems with high risk of infection and mortality. Due to less accessibility and high cost of modern drugs, people of this continent often depend on traditional medicine using medicinal plants to manage the diseases. Africa has large tropical rain forests, which are very rich in medicinal plants. Many of them have been scientifically proven for their medicinal values. These medicinal plants which constitute a large repertoire of endophytes have not been significantly explored for the isolation of these microorganisms and their bioactive secondary metabolites. This review summarizes the research on endophytes isolated from medicinal plants of Africa, their pharmacological potential and some of their biotechnological aspects. Novel compounds reported from endophytes from Africa with their biological activities have also been reviewed. Information documented in this review might serve as starting point for future researches on endophytes in different African countries.

New approaches for antituberculosis leads from Actinobacteria.

Bioactive metabolites derived from the phylum Actinobacteria represent many of the existing antimicrobial drugs. Compared with other bacterial pathogens, direct preliminary screening by diffusion assays is a limiting factor against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) and different methodologies have been used to improve the search for new molecules. However, the concern remains that most of the previously discovered molecules replicate by conventional procedures. The combination of multidisciplinary approaches with new technologies could advance the discovery of new leads against Mtb like considering the unexplored Actinobacteria jointly with selective and integrative procedures.

Discovery of Helminthosporin, an Anthraquinone Isolated from Rumex abyssinicus Jacq as a Dual Cholinesterase Inhibitor.

Natural products have extensively contributed toward the discovery of new leads for Alzheimer's disease. During our search for new inhibitors of cholinesterase enzymes from natural sources, the ethyl acetate (EtOAc) extract of Rumex abyssinicus Jacq was identified as a dual cholinesterase inhibitor with IC50 values of 2.7 and 11.4 µg/mL against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), respectively. The phytochemical investigation of the EtOAc extract has resulted in isolation of four anthraquinones, namely, helminthosporin, emodin, chrysophanol, and physcion, amongst which the helminthosporin has been isolated for the first time from Rumex sp. All isolated secondary metabolites have displayed significant inhibition of EeAChE with IC50 values of 2.63, 15.21, 33.7, and 12.16 µM, respectively. In addition, the helminthosporin was also found to inhibit BChE with an IC50 value of 2.99 µM. The enzyme kinetic study has indicated that helminthosporin inhibits AChE and BChE in a noncompetitive manner with k i values of 10.3 and 12.3 µM, respectively. The results of molecular modeling and propidium iodide displacement assay have revealed that helminthosporin occupies the peripheral anionic site of the active site gorge of AChE. In the PAMPA-BBB permeability assay, helminthosporin was found to possess high BBB permeability (P e = 6.16 × 10-6 cm/s). In a nutshell, helminthosporin has been identified as a brain permeable dual cholinesterase inhibitor, and thus its further synthetic exploration is warranted for optimization of its potency.

Identification of dinactin, a macrolide antibiotic, as a natural product-based small molecule targeting Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway in cancer cells.

PURPOSE: Despite the fact that hyper-activation of Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway has been seen in many cancers, including liver, colorectal and lung carcinoma, no small molecule inhibitors are available that specifically target this pathway. In this study, we analyzed the impact of dinactin (DA), an antibiotic ionophore produced by Streptomyces species, as an effective small molecule targeting Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway in cancer cells. METHODS: We performed MTT assays to investigate cell viability and proliferation after exposure to small molecules. Protein expression analysis was carried out by western blotting. Top-Flash reporter assays were used to score for ß-catenin signaling and cell cycle analysis was carried out by flow cytometry. RESULTS: In the first set of experiments, DA was seen to selectively inhibit the proliferation of HCT-116 and HepG2 cancer cells, unlike HEK-293 cells (a low tumorigenic cell line), in apoptosis-independent manner. Further, DA was seen to block the G1/S progression and decrease the expression of cyclin D1 in cancer cells. Since cyclin D1 is the downstream target gene of Wnt/ß-catenin signaling, we examined the impact of DA on TCF-dependent ß-catenin activity using Top-Flash reporter assay. Interestingly, DA significantly decreased Top-Flash activity at lower nano-molar concentrations when compared with salinomycin in HCT-116 and HepG2 cells. CONCLUSION: We report the identification of dinactin as a natural product-based small molecule that effectively blocks the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway in cancer cells at nano-molar concentration. We anticipate that DA could be developed as a novel drug for anti-cancer therapy and for the management of neuropathic pain.

In vitro evaluation of dinactin, a potent microbial metabolite against Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Current long duration treatment options and the emergence of drug resistance in tuberculosis (TB) have led to renewed interest in discovery of novel anti-tubercular agents or the scaffolds exhibiting enhanced efficacy with current anti-TB drugs. Herein, dinactin, a potent bioactive macrotetrolide isolated from Streptomyces puniceus AS13, was evaluated against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv and other susceptible and drug-resistant clinical isolates of M. tuberculosis. In vitro pharmacological assays showed that dinactin is bactericidal against laboratory standard strain M. tuberculosis H37Rv (minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC] 1 µg/mL and minimum bactericidal concentration [MBC] 4 µg/mL). Dinactin also retained its activity against various clinical isolates, including multidrug-resistant strains of M. tuberculosis. Whole cell interaction assays with standard first- and second-line anti-TB drugs showed the synergistic interaction of dinactin with rifampicin or amikacin, reflecting its suitability for use in combination regimens. The killing kinetics studies of dinactin against M. tuberculosis H37Rv revealed that it has strong concentration-dependent anti-TB activity that is also dependent on time. The kill curve also showed dynamic killing capacity of dinactin as it exhibited bactericidal potential at all concentrations tested. Kill curve data demonstrated that dinactin, like isoniazid, exerts its strong tuberculocidal activity within the first two days of exposure. This evidence strongly supports further evaluation of dinactin as a new option in the treatment of TB.

Oscimum sanctum extract inhibits growth of Gram positive and Gram negative bacterial strains.

In the present study petroleum ether, chloroform and methanolic extracts of Oscimum sanctum were prepared using soxhlet extractor. The extracts were evaluated for antibacterial activity against one Gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and one Gram negative (Escherichia coli) strain. The activity of the extracts was compared with the known antibacterial drugs, Oflaxacin and Penicillin G. Disc diffusion method revealed good antibacterial activity of the chloroform and methanol extracts compared to the petroleum ether extract. Methanolic extract was found to be most active against both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacterial strains. The zone of inhibition of methanolic extract against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli at 50 mg concentration was 16.0 and 18.0 mm, respectively. Chloroform extract also exhibited good antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacterial strains. The zone of inhibition of chloroform extract against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacterial strains was 8.0 and 6.0 mm, respectively. The zone of inhibition of the drug Penicillin G against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus was18.0 and 17.0 mm, respectively. Oflaxacin showed zone of inhibition to be 19.0 and 20.0 against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, respectively. The petroleum ether extract exhibited no activity against any of the two tested bacterial strains. These findings suggest that methanolic extract of Oscimum sanctum has anti-bacterial potential and therefore should be investigated for phytochemistry.

Streptomyces puniceus strain AS13., Production, characterization and evaluation of bioactive metabolites: A new face of dinactin as an antitumor antibiotic.

A highly active actinobacterial strain isolated from untapped areas of Northwestern Himalayas and characterised as Streptomyces puniceus strain AS13 by 16S rRNA gene sequencing was selected for production of bioactive metabolites. The bioassay-guided fractionation of microbial cultured ethyl acetate extract of the strain, led to isolation of macrotetrolide compound 1 (Dinactin) and compound 2 (1-(2,4-dihydroxy-6-methylphenyl)-ethanone). Structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated by [corrected] interpretation of NMR and other spectroscopic data including HR-ESI-MS, FT-IR. These compounds are reported for first time from Streptomyces Puniceus. Compound 1 exhibited strong anti-microbial activity against all tested bacterial pathogens including Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The MIC values of compound 1 against Gram negative and Gram positive bacterial pathogens ranged between 0.019 - 0.156µgml-1 and 1µgml-1 against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv. Dinactin exhibited marked anti-tumor potential with IC50 of 1.1- 9.7µM in various human cancerous cell lines and showed least cytotoxicity (IC50∼80µM) in normal cells (HEK-293). Dinactin inhabited cellular proliferation in cancer cells, reduced their clonogenic survival as validated by clonogenic assay and also inhabited cell migration and invasion characteristics in colon cancer (HCT-116) cells. Our results expressed the antimicrobial potential of dinactin and also spotted its prospective as an antitumor antibiotic.

Bovine mastitis: An appraisal of its alternative herbal cure.

Bovine mastitis is globally recognized as the most common and costly disease affecting dairy herds. The disease causes huge financial losses to dairy industries by reduced yield and milk quality, deaths and culling of affected cows and also by associated treatment costs. The disease occurs due to invasion of the mammary glands by pathogenic bacteria followed by their multiplication in the milk producing tissues. The most common treatment method available against bovine mastitis is the intra-mammary infusion of antibiotics. However, their use is associated with the problem of antimicrobial resistance. This scenario has made search for alternative treatment approaches necessary. Medicinal plants with their well-established history are an excellent natural product resource used as an alternative therapy. Antibacterial agents from plants can act as important sources of novel antibiotics, efflux pump inhibitors, compounds that target bacterial virulence or can be used in combination with existing drugs. The plants form an essential component of ethno-veterinary medicine used in the treatment of different diseases like bovine mastitis. This review article attempts to provide an overview of the different medicinal plants used in the treatment of bovine mastitis. Antimicrobial studies of these plant species and some of their isolated constituents have been reviewed in detail. It highlights the logic and precedence behind mining this important natural product resource. Our own research findings in this direction and future scope of research are also discussed briefly.

Chemoprofile and functional diversity of fungal and bacterial endophytes and role of ecofactors - A review.

Endophytes represent a hidden world within plants. Almost all plants that are studied harbor one or more endophytes, which help their host to survive against pathogens and changing adverse environmental conditions. Fungal and bacterial endophytes with distinct ecological niches show important biological activities and ecological functions. Their unique physiological and biochemical characteristics lead to the production of niche specific secondary metabolites that may have pharmacological potential. Identification of specific secondary metabolites in adverse environment can also help us in understanding mechanisms of host tolerance against stress condition such as biological invasions, salt, drought, temperature. These metabolites include micro as well as macromolecules, which they produce through least studied yet surprising mechanisms like xenohormesis, toxin-antitoxin system, quorum sensing. Therefore, future studies should focus on unfolding all the underlying molecular mechanisms as well as the impact of physical and biochemical environment of a specific host over endophytic function and metabolite elicitation. Need of the hour is to reshape the focus of research over endophytes and scientifically drive their ecological role toward prospective pharmacological as well as eco-friendly biological applications. This may help to manage these endophytes especially from untapped ecoregions as a useful undying biological tool to meet the present challenges as well as lay a strong and logical basis for any impending challenges.

Antimicrobial investigation of selected soil actinomycetes isolated from unexplored regions of Kashmir Himalayas, India.

The aim of the present study was to isolate and evaluate the antimicrobial potential of soil actinomycetes of Kashmir Himalayas. The secondary metabolites of actinomycetes are the prominent source of antibiotics. A total of 121 morphologically different actinomycete strains were isolated and screened for antimicrobial activity against various human pathogens. The ethyl acetate extract of fermented broth an actinomycete strain, identified as Streptomyces pratensis exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213 with MIC 0.25 µg/ml and Mycobacterium tuberculosis Strain H37Rv with MIC 0.062 µg/ml. The strain S. pratensis IIIM06 was grown on large scale and their broth was extracted with ethyl acetate. The extract was subjected to various chromatography techniques which led to the isolation of four compounds whose structures were established as actinomycin C1, actinomycin C2, actinomycin C3 and actiphenol on the basis of spectral data analysis. Actinomycin C1, C2 and C3 exhibited potent antimicrobial activity against S. aureus as well as M. tuberculosis. The isolated indigenous actinomycetes exhibited good antibacterial activity and the study reveals that IIIM06 is a promising strain and could be of great potential for industrial applications.

Endophytes and Neurodegenerative Diseases: A Hope in Desperation.

Neurodegeneration is progressive loss of functional and structural integrity of the central nervous system. Neurodegenerative disorders are yet without any reliable therapy because the neurons of the central nervous system have limited ability to regenerate. Current therapeutic approaches rely mainly on abrogation of symptoms and leave the dying neurons to their fate. Protective and/or rescuing treatments need to be explored fully to suppress neuronal death that will automatically alleviate the symptoms. Adequate precedent exists in literature regarding the neuroprotective activity of endophytes. Endophytes are a class of microorganisms which colonize healthy plant tissues without causing any apparent harm to the host. Chemical moieties from known endophytes have been used against many disease models including neurodegenerative diseases. There is great hope that novel bioactive molecules from newer endophytes can impede pathogenic mechanisms and progression of many diseases. In this review, we will discuss promising pharmacological or clinical relevance of endophytes against various neurodegenerative diseases.