Isolation of L-Asparaginase Producing Endophytic Bacteria from Plants Recommended for Cancer Therapy

Endophytic microorganisms are recognized as potential source of novel chemical molecules that might be useful in the treatment of infectious diseases. This study was conducted with the aim to isolate and identify endophytic bacteria from medicinal plants recommended for cancer therapy with a potential to produce L-asparaginase. Five different plants were selected to enhance diversity as Catharanthus roseus, Oscimum sanctum, Alovera, Withania somnifera and Morrayo konengi. Isolation of endophytic bacteria was done on Tryptic soy agar media and characterized on the basis of morphological and biochemical characteristics. A total 45 bacterial endophytes were obtained out of which 25 showed varied levels of L-asparaginase activity.