Plant endophytic fungi as a source of paclitaxel
Journal Title: Herba Polonica - Year 2014, Vol 60, Issue 4
Abstract
Endophytic fungi were isolated from different parts of the plants Corylus avellana (Corylaceae) and Ocimum basilicum (Lamiaceae) and then identified to the genus level based on the morphology of the fungal culture and the characteristics of the spores. The fungicidal and antitumor activity of isolates and extracts obtained from them was determined. We found that a few isolates from Corylus avellana and Ocimum basilicum produced metabolites that inhibited the growth of Oomycetes fungi to a highly significant extent. In the potato disc bioassay only an extract from the isolate C-9 showed an inhibitory action in tumor development. Paclitaxel presence in extract from the isolate C-9 was confirmed using the thin layer chromatography method (TLC) and UV-VIS spectroscopic analysis. The above results indicated that the tested samples revealed an antitumor activity. The detection of paclitaxel in the isolate C-9 suggests that the antitumor activity resulted probably from the presence of this taxane in the tested material.
Authors and Affiliations
Anna Cieniecka-Rosłonkiewicz, Alicja Michalczyk, Małgorzata Cholewińska
Application of in vitro stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni) cultures in obtaining steviol glycoside rich material
Stevia is a plant attracting attention due to its capability to synthesize a group of chemical compounds with sweet taste, i.e. steviol glycosides. Steviol glycosides are successfully applied as a natural sweetener, and...
Psychoactive plants used in designer drugs as a threat to public health
Based on epidemiologic surveys conducted in 2007–2013, an increase in the consumption of psychoactive substances has been observed. This growth is noticeable in Europe and in Poland. With the ‘designer drugs’ launch on t...
Ganoderma lucidum (Curt.: Fr.) Karst. – health-promoting properties. A review
This paper presents the characteristics of the species Ganoderma lucidum in terms of health-promoting properties. This species is rare in Poland, and is subject to strict protection. Reishi is classified as a medicinal m...
Plant endophytic fungi as a source of paclitaxel
Endophytic fungi were isolated from different parts of the plants Corylus avellana (Corylaceae) and Ocimum basilicum (Lamiaceae) and then identified to the genus level based on the morphology of the fungal culture and th...
8-Prenylnaringenin from hop (Humulus lupulus L.) – a panacea for menopause?
8-Prenylnaryngenin (8-PN) is the strongest known phytoestrogen (PE). Its main source is the female inflorescences of hops (Humulus lupulus L.). 8-PN, which, in contrast to other PEs, is proven to have stronger activity a...