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Isolation and identification of endophytic fungi from Alhagi sparsifolia Shap. and their antibacterial activity

Summary

Researchers discovered ten types of fungi living inside the medicinal plant Alhagi sparsifolia that were never found before. Two of these fungi produced substances that killed harmful bacteria better than standard antibiotics, especially against E. coli. The researchers identified 26 different compounds in these fungi that are responsible for their antibacterial effects. This research opens new possibilities for developing natural antibacterial medicines from fungal sources.

Background

Alhagi sparsifolia Shap. is a medicinal plant used in traditional Uyghur medicine with known antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Endophytic fungi residing within medicinal plants have emerged as promising sources for novel bioactive compounds. This study explores the endophytic fungal diversity of A. sparsifolia Shap. and their potential antibacterial applications.

Objective

To isolate and identify endophytic fungi from stems and roots of Alhagi sparsifolia Shap. using morphological and molecular methods, evaluate their antibacterial activity against pathogenic bacteria, and analyze their secondary metabolites.

Results

Ten fungal strains were identified: four Aspergillus niger, three Alternaria alternata, two Aspergillus flavus, and one Fusarium incarnatum. Strains AFJ3 and AFG6 demonstrated strong broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, particularly against E. coli with inhibition zones of 32.0±0.3 and 31.3±0.3 mm. UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS analysis identified 26 compounds including organic acids, phenolic acids, flavonoids, and fatty acids.

Conclusion

Ten endophytic fungal strains were successfully isolated from A. sparsifolia Shap. for the first time. The fermentation broths from AFJ3 and AFG6 demonstrated significant antibacterial activity worthy of further investigation. These findings expand understanding of endophytic fungal resources and their potential for developing novel antibacterial agents.
  • Published in:Heliyon,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMID: 39430480, DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e39003
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