Antimicrobial and Secondary Metabolite Screening of Endophytic Fungi Isolated from the Roots of Dendrocnide meyeniana (Walp.) Chews

Abstract

Fungal endophytes have garnered considerable attention as promising reservoirs of novel bioactive compounds with antimicrobial properties. This study focuses on the isolation, morphological characterization, phytochemical analysis, and antimicrobial screening of fungal endophytes isolated from the roots of Dendrocnide meyeniana. There were 11 fungal Dendrocnide root endophytes (DRE) isolated wherein three were successfully purified and screened against Escherichia coli BIOTECH 1634 and Candida albicans ATCC 10231. Morphological examination of the isolates was identified as Fusarium sp. (DRE IS03), Geotrichum sp. (DRE IS05), and morphospecies Mycelia sterilia sp. (DRE IS07). By using the agar plug diffusion method, the zone of inhibition (ZOI) of the isolates DRE IS03 (26mm), DRE IS05 (26mm) and DRE IS07 (24mm) exhibited significant antibacterial activity against E. coli but no inhibitory effect in C. albicans. Furthermore, biochemical screening of DRE isolates unveiled the presence of diverse bioactive compounds, including saponins, steroids, and terpenoids, known for their antimicrobial properties. This study confirms the successful isolation of fungal endophytes from D. meyeniana roots, highlights the presence of bioactive fungal metabolites, and demonstrates antibacterial activity.