Antiangiogenic and antioxidant activity of endophytic fungus isolated from seaweed (Sargassum wightii)

Abstract

Background and Objective: Angiogenesis plays a vital role in the formation of new blood vessels from preexisting vasculature during embryonic development processes. Excessive angiogenesis leads to several pathogenic conditions such as cancer, arthritis and psoriasis. Marine natural products are gaining the attention of researchers in recent years as they are the rich source of diverse medicinal compounds. Endophytic fungi from marine seaweeds are less studied and presented as a new subject of investigation of novel therapeutic agents. The aim of the present study is to evaluate antioxidant and antiangiogenic activity of ethyl acetate extract of the endophytic fungi, Penicillium citrinum isolated from Sargassum wightii. Methodology: Endophytic fungi were isolated from seaweed S. wightii. The isolated fungi was identified by 18S rRNA and ITS sequence. The ethyl acetate extract of endophytic fungi was subjected for antioxidant property using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl free radical scavenging assay. The extract was also analyzed for reducing power, total phenolic content and total flavonoid content. Antiangiogenesis potential of the extract was studied in vitro by inhibition of wound healing scratch assay and in vivo by CAM assay. Results: The endophytic fungus isolated from S. wightii was identified as Penicillium citrinum based on the analysis of 18S rRNA and ITS sequence. Ehtyl acetate extract of P. citrium showed a significant antioxidant and angiosuppresive activity. The antioxidant nature of the extracts was found to be concentration dependent. The ESI-LCMS analysis revealed presence of polyphenols at different range. Further studies are in progress to isolate, characterize and elucidate the structure of active compounds. Conclusion: Further studies on the compound present P. citrium extract will help to develop an alternative therapy for cancer menace.