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Bioactive Compound Produced by Endophytic Fungi Isolated From Pelargonium sidoides Against Selected Bacteria of

Madira Coutlyne Manganyi1, Christ-Donald K Tchatchouang1, Thierry Regnier2

  • 1Department of Microbiology, North West University - Mafikeng Campus, Mmabatho, South Africa.

Mycobiology
|October 1, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Endophytic fungi from South African medicinal plants yielded extracts with antibacterial properties. One isolate, Alternaria sp. (MHE 68), showed broad-spectrum activity against clinical bacteria, including resistant strains.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Natural Product Chemistry
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Endophytic fungi reside within plant tissues asymptomatically.
  • Opportunistic infections pose a significant global health challenge.
  • There is a need for novel antimicrobial agents to combat resistant bacteria.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To isolate and characterize endophytic fungi from South African medicinal plants.
  • To screen fungal extracts for antibacterial activity against clinically important bacteria.
  • To identify bioactive compounds responsible for antimicrobial effects.

Main Methods:

  • Isolation of 133 endophytic fungal strains from indigenous South African medicinal plants.
  • Screening of fungal extracts against Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecium, and E. gallinarum using disk diffusion.
  • Identification of bioactive compounds using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Main Results:

  • 12% (16/133) of fungal extracts exhibited antibacterial properties.
  • Escherichia coli was the most susceptible bacterium; E. faecium and E. gallinarum were most resistant.
  • Alternaria sp. (MHE 68) demonstrated broad-spectrum activity, inhibiting resistant strains.
  • Linoleic acid and cyclodecasiloxane were identified as potential antibacterial compounds in MHE 68 extract.

Conclusions:

  • Endophytic fungi from Pelargonium sidoides harbor potent antibacterial secondary metabolites.
  • Alternaria sp. (MHE 68) is a promising source of novel antimicrobial compounds.
  • This study represents the first investigation into the antibacterial potential of endophytic fungi from Pelargonium sidoides.
Keywords:
Endophytic fungiantibacterial activitybioactive compoundssecondary metabolites

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