Pharmacological potential of Curcuma longa endophytes

Endophytes contribute to plant fitness and defence by producing bioactive secondary metabolites, which may be utilized in various industrial applications. We assessed the potential of bioactive compounds from the endophytes of Curcuma longa for therapeutic properties. We screened phytochemicals obtained from the C. longa endophytes for host-specific bioactive compounds which were also evaluated for their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential. 59 endophytes were isolated from leaves and rhizome of C. longa, among which isolates Fusarium fujikuroi PCLCUT2 and Bacillus pacificus NCLALC2 showed significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. PCLCUT2 showed strong antioxidant potential (IC 50 1.33 mg/ml) and the presence of compounds such as (-)-epicatechin and curcumin. B. pacificus NCLALC2 exhibited strong anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial potential (MIC 200 µg/L) against Mycobacterium smegmatis. NCLALC2 showed the presence of 12 potential bioactive compounds including Calicoferol D, terpinolene and alpha-phellandrene. With the presence of host-specific compounds, the two endophytes hold promising potential as cost-effective sources of bioactive metabolites for pharmacological applications. • Rhizome endophytes showed higher antioxidant activity than leaf endophytes. • B. pacificus showed antimicrobial potential against Mycobacterium smegmatis. • Both endophytes showed metabolic synchrony with their host plant. • C. longa endophytes F. fujikuroi and B. pacificus produced curcumin.