Biological activities and GC-MS analysis of crude extract of an endophytic fungus Fusarium sp. F1C1

Dichrocephala integrifolia is a therapeutic plant used to treat several ailments. The endophytic fungi are the least explored group of fungi with a peculiar habitat, and they provide an important scope for research. An endophytic fungus, Fusarium sp. F1C1 was isolated from the inflorescence of D. integrifolia, and evaluated for its biological activities, which include antifungal, antibacterial, and antioxidant activities. The endophytic fungus was found to show antifungal activity against all the phytopathogens, with maximum inhibition against Ustilaginoidea virens (70.59%). The crude secondary metabolite extract was shown to have antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Natural drugs have been playing an important role in combating antibiotic-resistant microbes. The ethyl acetate extract of Fusarium sp. F1C1 has been effective against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. The antibacterial activity was most effective against Bacillus subtilis, with a MIC of 31.25 µg/ml. The DPPH free radical scavenging activity of the methanolic extract of Fusarium sp. F1C1 shows higher antioxidant activity than that of ascorbic acid, with an IC₅₀ of 84.20 µg/ml. GC-MS analysis of the crude extract has revealed the presence of many volatile compounds that may have bioactive properties. Further studies are needed to purify and isolate the bioactive compounds.