Isolation and Purification of Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitor from Endophytic Fungi

Abstract

Endophytic fungi are a treasure of bioactive compounds with therapeutic properties due to their symbiotic association with host organisms. This research aims at isolating xanthine oxidase inhibitors (XOIs) for the treatment of gout from endophytic fungi. Extract of the fungal strains, isolated from Camellia sinensis, grown on PDA exhibited appreciable inhibitory activity against xanthine oxidase. The extract was purified using column chromatography to isolate five pure fractions. Two of the five pure fractions (Fraction -2 and Fraction - 4) gave best results when evaluated using NBT assay. Phytochemical testing was also carried out to identify secondary metabolites present. All the pure fractions obtained were also subjected to antioxidant assay and evaluated for their antibacterial activity. While antioxidant assay was done using DPPH radical scavenging activity, antimicrobial activity was carried out against various bacterial cultures using disk diffusion method on MHA plates. Genomic DNA of the fungus was also isolated and amplified using PCR and its products.