Isolation and screening antimicrobial activity of endophytic fungal from african blue basil (Ocimum kilimandscaricum) leaves

The study was aimed to isolate endophytic fungi isolated from medicinal herb Ocimum kilimandscaricum and screen their antimicrobial activity. The fresh and healthy plant samples were taken from Pasir Putih, Kelantan. About total of 81 fungi were successfully isolated from Ocimum kilimandscaricum (selasih) leaves at different leaf age stages but 2 isolates were rejected since they failed the vitality and surface imprint test. Hence, 79 out of 81 fungal isolates were assumed as endophtyic fungal. The finding revealed that PDA was the best medium for endophytic fungal isolation and the addition of host plant powder to the growth media was significantly promotes the growth of fungal isolates. The mature leaf age stage of Ocimum kilimandscaricum was identified as the best leaf maturity to isolate endophytic fungi. Out of 79 isolates, only ten isolates showed different morphology and they were proceed to next experiment which is primary screening. These ten isolates indicated significant inhibitory activities on at least one test microorganism. The best two isolates (ABYLG-PDA2 and ABMLG-MEA1) from primary screening were proceeding to secondary screening due to effectiveness of their antimicrobial activity against the test microorganisms. Meanwhile, Isolate ABYLG-PDA2 showed significant antimicrobial activity inhibiting bacteria S.aureus, E.faecalis, B.subtilis, MRSA, and S.boydii. Isolate ABMLG-MEA1 also showed significant inhibitory activity towards bacteria S.subtilis, MRSA, S.boydii, and S.aureus. The result also revealed that the remarkable inhibited bactericidal effect mostly comes from dichloromethane extract and biomass extract. In conclusion, Ocimum kilimandscaricum has vast pool of endophytic fungi with their novel bioactive compound that are beneficial for pharmaceutical industry and medicinal product.