In-vitro anti-oxidant and anti-diabetic potential of endophytic fungi associated with Ficus religiosa

Abstract

Endophytic fungi are capable of producing plethora of important secondary metabolites, previously known from medicinal plants, thereby raising the potential of exploring endophytes as alternate sources for these metabolites. In the present investigation, ten endophytic fungi were isolated from Ficus religiosa L. (Moraceae) and the extracts obtained from fungi were evaluated for their potential as anti-oxidant and anti-diabetic agents. Phytochemical screening of extracts revealed presence of phenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, steroids, terpenes and terpenoids. Anti-oxidant and anti- diabetic activities of the extracts were tested by DPPH free radical scavenging assay and alpha amylase inhibitory assay, respectively. In general, all the extracts showed moderate inhibition of DPPH thereby providing an insight that extracts have a good proton-donating ability and could be potential free radical inhibitors. Similarly, moderate inhibition of alpha amylase was shown by all the extracts suggesting their possible role in reducing the breakdown and flow of glucose from complex dietary carbohydrates into the bloodstream. Among the ten fungi tested, Curvularia lunata displayed the highest anti-oxidant and anti-diabetic activities.

Keywords

• endophytes
• medicinal plant
• secondary metabolites
• phytochemicals
• anti-oxidants
• alpha-amylase inhibitors