Author(s):

Anita Tilwari and Prachi Dixit

Abstract: Ashoka is the most ancient tree of India, generally known as a “ashok briksh”, botanically known as a <em>Saraca asoca </em>(Roxb.). <em>Saraca asoca </em>has many uses mainly in the ayurvedic medicine. The endophytic fungus have developed a strong bonding with the plant during the co-evolution between them which resulted in production of bioactive Secondary metabolites which are originally the phytochemicals associated with the host plant. The aim of the present study was to isolate and observe antibacterial activity of the endophytic fungi against some pathogenic bacteria. Endophytic fungi (<em>Syncephalastrum rasemosum</em>, <em>Syncephalastrum racemosums328</em>) were isolated from mature healthy leaves and bark of medicinal plant <em>Saraca asoca</em> were collected from the Human Herbal Garden in M.P. Council of Science and Technology, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh (India). Screening of endophytic fungi for <em>in-vitro </em>antibacterial activity against three pathogenic bacteria <em>i.e.</em> <em>Streptococcus mutans</em>, <em>Lactobacillus acidophilus</em> and <em>Enterococcus faecalis</em> were observed by agar disk diffusion method. The diameter of inhibition zone was measured after 48 hrs incubation using a ruler. Antibacterial activity was calculated by measuring zone of inhibition produce by endophyte against pathogenic microbe. In the present study, our results indicate the broad antimicrobial spectrum of the bioactive components of fungal extracts isolated from <em>Saraca asoca</em>. Conclusively, the antimicrobial activity of these endophytic fungi is due to the extra cellular and intracellular bioactive components.

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