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Diversity and bioprospecting activities of endophytic Fungi associated with different Egyptian medicinal plants

Summary

Scientists studied fungi that live inside Egyptian medicinal plants and found that one type called Aspergillus terreus produces compounds with powerful healing properties. These compounds can fight harmful bacteria, reduce oxidative damage, and even kill cancer cells while being safe for normal cells. This discovery suggests that fungi living in medicinal plants could be valuable sources of new medicines, offering hope for developing new treatments for infections and cancer.

Background

Medicinal plants have been used for centuries to treat various ailments, and endophytic fungi associated with these plants may possess bioactive metabolites. The potential of endophytic fungi in Egyptian medicinal plants remains understudied. This research addresses the gap in knowledge about endophytic fungal diversity in Egyptian medicinal plants.

Objective

To analyze and compare the colonization frequency, richness, and diversity indices of endophytic fungal communities inhabiting nine different Egyptian medicinal plants from two geographic areas. To investigate the antimicrobial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic potential of isolated endophytic fungi.

Results

Thirty-nine endophytic fungal morphospecies belonging to fifteen genera were isolated, with Aspergillus and Penicillium as dominant genera. Aspergillus sp.3 (identified as Aspergillus terreus AUMC16223) demonstrated the highest antimicrobial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic activities. A. terreus extract showed IC50 of 41.75 ± 1.83 µg/mL against lung cancer cells (A549) with selectivity index of 4.69 and no toxicity to normal cells.

Conclusion

Diverse endophytic fungal communities were identified in Egyptian medicinal plants with Aspergillus terreus endophyte showing significant antimicrobial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic potential. The findings suggest endophytic fungi as promising sources for novel therapeutic agents requiring further investigation of bioactive compounds.
  • Published in:Scientific Reports,
  • Study Type:Original Research,
  • Source: PMID: 40461511, DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-01202-z
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