Antimicrobial Potential of Endophytes from Datura metel Linn.

Abstract

Endophytes are a suite of microorganisms that grow in the tissues of higher plants. Endophytes constitute a valuable source of secondary metabolites for the discovery of new potential therapeutic drugs.  Endophytes can have many effects on their host such as enhancement of stress, insect and disease resistance, and herbicide activities when in association with their host plant. The present study was to examine the antimicrobial activity of ethyl acetate extracts of endophytic fungi (both extra and intracellular) and actinomycete from the stem and root of Datura metel L. The crude extract of these endophytic isolates were screened for their antimicrobial potential. Among the endophytes, the extracellular fungal extract showed the highest antimicrobial activity when compared to intracellular fungi and actinomycetes. The studies and isolation of these compounds can be used as a good approach to search of novel products.