Bioscreening and phytochemical profiling of Phyllanthus niruri endophytic fungi with potential Anti-HCV applications

This study proposes a novel strategy for antiviral drug discovery by exploring endophytic fungi associated with Phyllanthus niruri , a medicinal plant traditionally recognized for its therapeutic value in liver disorders and viral infections. The research underscores the critical demand for cost-effective therapies for Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), particularly in low source settings which represents a major global health challenge with severe consequences like cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The research focuses on identifying bioactive fungal metabolites with antiviral potential. Endophytic fungi were isolated from different tissues of P. niruri, followed by solvent extraction of the obtained isolates. Comprehensive phytochemical analysis was carried out to det ec t antiviral compounds such as lignans, flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, coumarins, and saponins and the antioxidant property was evaluated by DPPH and ABTS assays demonstrated strong free-radical scavenging activity, supporting the therapeutic relevance of the extracts. The cytotoxicity assessment of the most promising fungal extract on HepG2 liver cell lines exhibited moderate effects at elevated concentrations, indicating a potential safety margin at lower doses for therapeutic applications. This investigation emphasizes the promise of endophytic fungi from Phyllanthus niruri as a significant source of natural antiviral agents, facilitating the pursuit of alternative treatments for HCV, offering a valuable lead toward the development of cost-effective therapeutic candidates.