Effect of endophytic fungi isolated from saffron (Crocus sativus) on human pathogenic fungi in libratory conditions

Background and Aim : Saffron (Crocus sativus) is a perennial plant that belongs to Liliaceae family. The three main secondary metabolites of saffron, namely crocin and its derivatives, are responsible for the color of saffron, picrocrocin is responsible for the bitter taste of saffron, and safranal is responsible for the aroma of saffron. According to some researches, it has anti-cancer and antimicrobial properties. The antioxidants and active ingredients of saffron block the effect of free radicals in the body and inhibit DNA mutations that lead to overgrowth of cells. Endophytes are microorganisms that live at least one stage of their life cycle inside plants without causing any symptoms. These microorganisms have been found in many species and are recognized as a potential source of effective natural compounds for use in medicine, agriculture and industry. This information led us to the conclusion that saffron can be another source of endophytic fungi with biological activity. Also, studies on the antagonistic and biocontrol activities of plant endophytes from this plant have shown the positive effect of these microorganisms in preventing the growth of pathogenic pathogens. Therefore, the inhibitory effect of endophytic fungi from saffron on human pathogenic fungi was consideredMethods : To investigate the effect of endophytic fungi isolated from saffron plant on human pathogenic fungi, a randomized complete block design with ۶ treatments (۵ endophytic fungi +Control) and three replications was performed. Cross-culture on PDA against human pathogenic fungi such as Aspergillus flavous, Cryptococcus neoformans and Candida albicans was carried out. Means comparing was performed by SPSS ۲۰.۰ software based on Duncan test. Results : The analysis of variance showed that the effect of endophytic fungi on these human pathogens was significant (p<۰.۰۱). Cadophora malorum FT۱۹ showed no inhibitory effect on C. albicans and other endophytic fungi had similar effect (ns), except Alternaria chlamydosporigena FB۲۱ that had the lest effect. A. niger FT۱۶ showed the maximum effect on C. neoformans (۵۱.۲۸%) and A. flavus (۸۷.۵۰%). Other endophytic fungi had similar effect on C. neoformans and A. flavus (NS). Conclusion : A. niger FT۱۶ (an endophytic fungi) could be a promising microorganism for future as a biocontrol and antagonist on studied human pathogenic fungi.

کلیدواژه ها:

Saffron ، Endophytic fungi ، Aspergillus flavous ، Cryptococcus neoformans ، Candida albicans