Antimicrobial and immunomodulatory effects of Fusarium solani.
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Antimicrobial and immunomodulatory potential of endophytic fungus fusarium solani isolated from withania somnifera
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Natural bioactive compounds derived from animals, plants, and microorganisms have historically contributed significantly to the development of pharmaceutical agents. With around 80% of people in developing countries relying on traditional medicine, primarily using plant extracts, the exploration of compounds produced by endophytic fungi—organisms residing within plant tissues without causing harm—becomes increasingly pertinent. These endophytes can enhance plant health and resistance to pathogens, potentially providing a sustainable source of bioactive compounds, especially for medicinal plants like Withania somnifera.
Endophyte Biodiversity and Bioactive Potential
This study isolates 29 endophytic fungal species from Withania somnifera’s roots, identifying Fusarium solani as the most dominant species. The research highlights that these endophytes may produce bioactive compounds similar to their host plants, which not only preserves rare species but could also lead to more economically viable production of these compounds. The findings underline the importance of analyzing endophyte diversity and their contributions to plant-derived medicinal properties, enhancing our understanding of plant-microbe interactions and the potential for discovering novel pharmaceuticals.
Antibacterial and Immunomodulatory Activity
Among the isolated strains, six exhibited antibacterial properties, with Fusarium solani (WEF-7) showing remarkable efficacy against various bacterial pathogens. The study employs both agar diffusion techniques and microtitre plate methods to determine Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC) for the active compounds. Additionally, Fusarium solani demonstrated significant immunomodulatory effects, increasing phagocytic activity in vitro. These findings indicate a dual potential for endophytes to not only combat pathogenic bacteria but also modulate immune responses effectively.
GC-MS Analysis and Molecular Identification
GC-MS analysis of Fusarium solani (WEF-7) extracts revealed compounds with pharmaceutical relevance, including Phenol, Benzene propanoic acid, and Carnegine. Molecular characterization through DNA sequencing further identified the isolate closely related to Fusarium solani, confirming its identity. The presence of these bioactive compounds positions this endophyte as a significant contributor to the therapeutic properties associated with Withania somnifera, suggesting that further exploration could lead to novel drug development.
Conclusion
This study establishes that endophytic fungi, particularly Fusarium solani from Withania somnifera, are not only crucial for enhancing the medicinal properties of their host plants but also serve as promising sources for novel bioactive compounds. The antibacterial and immunomodulatory activities demonstrated by these endophytes pave the way for further investigations into their therapeutic potential. The findings emphasize the ecological and pharmaceutical significance of endophytes, advocating for their role in the sustainable development of new medicinal agents.
Original source:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.
Salini T S, Dibu Divakaran, Shabanamol S,Sharrel Rebello and Dr. Jisha M S
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: Antimicrobial and immunomodulatory potential of endophytic fungus fusarium solani isolated from withania somnifera
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
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FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the focus of the study on Fusarium solani?
The study investigates the antimicrobial and immunomodulatory potential of Fusarium solani, an endophytic fungus isolated from Withania somnifera, contributing to the knowledge of endophyte-driven biodiversity and bioactive compounds.
How were the endophytic fungi isolated from Withania somnifera?
Endophytic fungi were isolated from surface sterilized root samples placed on Potato Dextrose Agar medium and incubated at 26°C for three weeks.
What method was used to identify the endophytic fungi?
Taxonomic identification was conducted through observation of macroscopic and microscopic characteristics, supported by molecular characterization using 18S rDNA typing.
What antibacterial activity was found in the isolated fungi?
Six endophytic fungi, including Fusarium solani, showed significant antibacterial activity against various pathogens, with minimum inhibitory concentrations ranging from 21 to 78 µg/ml.
What was the result of the immunomodulatory activity assessment?
Fusarium solani exhibited strong phagocytic activity, indicating its potential as an immunomodulatory agent through enhancement of immune responses.
What bioactive compounds were identified in Fusarium solani?
The GC-MS analysis of Fusarium solani extracts identified key compounds such as Phenol, Benzene propanoic acid, and Carnegine, which have potential pharmaceutical applications.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Antimicrobial and immunomodulatory effects of Fusarium solani.”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Activity:
Activity refers to the effectiveness of a substance or organism in performing a specific function or response. In the context of endophytic fungi and their extracts, activities such as antibacterial and immunomodulatory action are crucial, as they highlight the potential of these organisms or compounds in therapeutic applications, offering insights into their roles in health and disease management.
2) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
An antibiotic is a type of drug specifically designed to combat bacteria. The relevance of this term in the research implies a focus on isolating and testing compounds from endophytic fungi that could yield new antibiotics, addressing the need for novel solutions to combat bacterial resistance in human health care.
3) Withania somnifera:
Withania somnifera, commonly known as Ashwagandha, is a medicinal herb in Ayurveda highly valued for its adaptogenic properties and health benefits. This plant serves as a host for various endophytic fungi, which may contribute additional bioactive compounds with potential therapeutic applications, enhancing the plant's traditional uses and advocating for its research in modern medicine.
4) Drug:
A drug is a chemical substance used for medical treatment, whether to prevent, diagnose, or cure diseases. In relation to the study, it emphasizes the significance of natural sources such as plants and fungi in drug discovery, where bioactive compounds may be isolated and developed into pharmaceuticals for various health conditions.
5) Blood:
Blood is the vital fluid circulating in human bodies, transporting oxygen, nutrients, and immune cells. In immunomodulatory studies involving endophytes, blood plays a role in testing the immune response and effectiveness of substances derived from endophytes against infections, highlighting the interconnectedness of plants, fungi, and human health.
6) Medicine:
Medicine encompasses the science and practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing ailments. This term manifests the broader domain within which the study of endophytes falls, emphasizing their potential contribution to innovative medicinal compounds, particularly from traditional practices rooted in the use of plants like Withania somnifera.
7) Soil:
Soil is the upper layer of earth where plant roots grow, containing organic matter, minerals, and microorganisms, including endophytes. The quality and composition of soil can significantly influence the diversity of endophytic fungi associated with plants, impacting their bioactive potential and contributing to the understanding of ecological relationships.
8) Plumbago zeylanica:
Plumbago zeylanica is a medicinal plant known for its healing properties in traditional medicine. Mentioning it indicates a comparative context where the study of other plants, like Withania, can derive insights regarding endophytes and their potential in producing bioactive compounds applicable in pharmaceuticals, showcasing the importance of biodiversity.
9) Purification:
Purification refers to the processes employed to isolate and refine bioactive compounds from raw materials. Within the study, this term highlights the significance of extracting and characterizing compounds from endophytes for potential therapeutic use, demonstrating the importance of methodological rigor in connecting nature with scientific advancements in medicine.
10) Discussion:
Discussion represents the analytical part of a research paper where findings are interpreted and contextualized. This section provides insights into the implications of the results, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of the relevance of endophyte research, their potential medicinal applications, and contributing to the ongoing scientific dialogue in this field.
11) Similarity:
Similarity refers to the degree of resemblance between sequences or structures, especially in molecular biology. In this research, it signifies the importance of identifying and categorizing endophytic fungi like Fusarium solani based on genetic sequences, contributing to biodiversity knowledge and potential applications in drug development and ecological studies.
12) Knowledge:
Knowledge encompasses the information and insights gained through research and study. In this context, it highlights the ongoing pursuit of understanding the relationships between endophytic fungi and their host plants, their bioactive compounds, and therapeutic potential, thereby providing a foundation for future discoveries and advancements in pharmaceuticals.
13) Substance:
A substance is any material or compound with distinct physical and chemical properties. In biomedical research, particularly within the study, it refers to the bioactive compounds isolated from endophytic fungi that demonstrate potential pharmacological effects, underscoring the importance of such substances in developing new therapeutics and understanding their mechanisms of action.
14) Ayurveda (Āyurveda, Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is a traditional Indian system of medicine emphasizing holistic health through natural therapies and herbal remedies. This term underscores the cultural significance of plants like Withania somnifera in therapeutic practices, and it denotes the relevance of exploring their associated endophytes for novel bioactive compounds, bridging traditional knowledge with modern scientific inquiry.
15) Science (Scientific):
Science is the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experimentation. This term signifies the methodological approach taken in the research on endophytic fungi, emphasizing the importance of rigorous scientific inquiry to validate ancient medicinal practices and explore new avenues for drug discovery.