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Extraction and Identification of the Bioactive Metabolites Produced by Curvularia inaequalis, an Endophytic Fungus Collected in Iran from Echium khuzistanicum Mozaff

Summary

Scientists discovered a beneficial fungus living inside the leaves of an Iranian medicinal plant. They isolated three compounds from this fungus, with the main compound showing powerful activity against drug-resistant bacteria and plant-damaging fungi. This discovery suggests that beneficial fungi within plants could be valuable sources for developing new medicines and natural pesticides.

Background

Endophytic fungi are microorganisms that colonize internal plant tissues and produce bioactive secondary metabolites with antimicrobial and phytotoxic properties. The Iranian medicinal plant Echium khuzistanicum has traditional uses in treating respiratory diseases, ulcers, and wound healing. This study investigates the previously unexplored endophytic fungal community of this plant species.

Objective

To isolate and characterize bioactive metabolites produced by Curvularia inaequalis from Echium khuzistanicum and evaluate their phytotoxic, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties against plant and human pathogens.

Results

(R)-phomalactone (1) was the most abundant metabolite (17% of extract) and showed significant phytotoxic activity on tomato leaves, potent antibacterial activity against MRSA and other pathogens (MIC 62.5 µg/mL), and marked antifungal activity. (–)-Asperpentyn (3) demonstrated robust selective antifungal activity against phytopathogens. Catenioblin A (2) showed limited bioactivity.

Conclusion

The endophytic fungus C. inaequalis from E. khuzistanicum is a promising source of bioactive metabolites with broad-spectrum antimicrobial and phytotoxic properties. (R)-phomalactone demonstrates significant potential for therapeutic and agrochemical applications, warranting further investigation including structural modifications and toxicological studies.
  • Published in:Molecules,
  • Study Type:Experimental Research,
  • Source: PMID: 41097293, DOI: 10.3390/molecules30193870
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