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Isolation of Endophytic Fungi from Selected Medicinal Plants

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Author Affiliations

  • 1Department of Botany, Government Science College, N.T. Road, Bangalore-01, Karnataka, India
  • 2Department of Botany, Government Science College, N.T. Road, Bangalore-01, Karnataka, India

Res. J. Recent Sci., Volume 15, Issue (4), Pages 7-11, October,2 (2026)

Abstract

Endophytic fungi are microorganisms that colonize internal plant tissues without causing apparent harm and are recognized as important sources of bioactive compounds. The present study aimed to isolate and identify endophytic fungi from selected medicinal plants, namely Tridax procumbens, Leucas aspera, Mimosa pudica, and Capsicum annuum, under controlled laboratory conditions. Healthy plant samples were surface sterilized using ethanol and sodium hypochlorite to eliminate external contaminants, followed by inoculation on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) and incubation at 25–28°C for 5–7 days. Fungal isolates emerging from plant tissues were purified and identified based on macroscopic colony characteristics and microscopic features using lactophenol cotton blue staining. A diverse assemblage of endophytic fungi was recorded, with dominant genera including Alternaria, Chaetomium, Cladosporium, and Colletotrichum. Leaf tissues exhibited the highest colonization frequency and diversity compared to other plant parts. The results confirm that medicinal plants serve as rich reservoirs of endophytic fungi with significant ecological and biotechnological potential. These endophytes may contribute to host plant properties and represent promising sources of bioactive secondary metabolites. Further studies involving molecular characterization and bioactivity evaluation are recommended to fully explore their applications.

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