Author(s):

Shobha M, Bharathi TR, Sampath Kumara KK and Prakash HS

Abstract: The roots of Hemidesmus indicus are known to have bioactive properties. Large scale exploitation of plant roots may endanger the plant from ecosystem. Endophytes are known to produce many bioactive compounds as that of host plant. Endophytic fungi residing in various parts of the plant like root, stem and leaves were isolated and identified. Colonization frequency and relative dominance of the endophytes were evaluated. The ethyl acetate extracts of culture broth and mycelial mat was screened for antioxidant and antimicrobial activity.285 fungal isolates from the roots of H. indicus were isolated, identified and authenticated by molecular tools. The overall colonization frequency was found to be 70.33%, of which hyphomycetes were dominant (79.45%). Species of Fusarium were the dominant colonizers of all parts of the plant. Antioxidant activities of ethyl acetate fractions revealed that the extracts of F. oxysporum and A. sydowii showed higher activities with IC₅₀ values of 45 and 46.6 µg/mL respectively. The extracts also exhibited promising antibacterial activities against both Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. The present study reported for the first time the endophytic fungi from the roots of H. indicus and their bioactivity. Our present findings highlight the potential of the isolated endophytes to have therapeutic applications.

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