ENDOPHYTES OF DATURA METEL L. FOR THEIR ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTIDIABETIC POTENTIAL

Endophytes living asymptomatically within the plant tissues have been found in many plant species. Endophytes also constitute a valuable source of secondary metabolites for the discovery of new potential therapeutic drugs. In this study, endophytic fungi (both extra and intracellular) and actinomycete were obtained from the stem and root of Datura metel L. and evaluated for their antioxidant and antidiabetic potential. The ethyl acetate extracts of the endophytic isolates were screened for their antioxidant potential by DPPH activity and antidiabetic activity by alpha glucosidase inhibitory assay. In DPPH assay, it was noted that endophytic actinomycete recorded the highest reduction percentage of 51.97 when compared to that of fungi which showed only a percentage of 41.11. Endophytic actinomycete recorded highest antidiabetic potential of about 77.58% which is almost equal to the control. These endophytic actinomycetes can be used as potential novel source of natural antioxidants as well as alpha glucosidase inhibitor.