Abstract

STUDY OF AEGLE MARMELOS L. FOR PRESENCE OF POTENTIAL ENDOPHYTES

Vichare Smita*, Ali Minu and Vora Dipak

Abstract

The well known medicinal tree, Aegle marmelos L. is known to be rich in numerous bioactive substances. Its extracts have been used as an effective remedy for many disorders. It has been demonstrated that endophytes of various plants produce bioactives associated with those plants. Hence, we have proceeded to isolate endophytes from Bael and screened them for their ability to produce some of the active substances associated with this plant. Production of these bioactives via their endophytes would provide an economical and rapid means of producing them in large quantities and in a purer form. Bacterial endophytes were isolated from Aegle marmelos L. and identified on the basis of their biochemical, morphological and cultural characteristics. They were further screened for their ability to produce various bioactive compounds. Some of these isolates demonstrated the ability to produce phenolic compounds. These compounds are being identified and assessed for their medicinal properties.

Keywords: Endophytes, medicinal plants, Aegle marmelos L., Bioactive compounds.