BIOLOGICAL SCREENING OF ENDOPHYTIC FUNGI ISOLATED FROM NERIUM OLEANDER

The purpose of this study was to screen and evaluate the physiochemical and biological potential of three endophytic fungi isolated from the medicinal plant Nerium oleander (Apocynaceae). Trichoderma, Penicillium and Taloromyces species, isolated from Nerium oleander, were subjected to antioxidant activity by DPPH method, total antioxidant potential by phosphomolybdic acid method and total phenolic contents by Folin's Ciocaltue method, antibacterial, antifungal and anti-leishmanial assay. All the extracts showed significant antifungal, antioxidant and antileishminial potential. The antioxidant nature of the extracts was concentration dependent. Phytochemical analysis showed the presence of various secondary metabolites including flavonoids. Key words: Endophyte, Biological Screening, Antioxidant, Antileishmaniasis, Antifungal