Research Article
Exploring Endophytic Microbiomes of Solanum nigrum and Aristolochia indica: A Green Approach to Sustainable Drug Discovery
Udaybhan Yadav*
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 3, September 2025
Pages:
66-72
Received:
7 June 2025
Accepted:
21 June 2025
Published:
30 July 2025
Abstract: The accelerating demand for eco-friendly, sustainable therapeutic alternatives has highlighted the potential of plant-associated microbiomes as a promising resource for novel drug discovery. Among these, endophytic microorganisms those that reside asymptomatically within plant tissues—are gaining prominence due to their ability to synthesize a diverse range of bioactive metabolites analogous to their host plants. This study explores the endophytic microbiomes of two underutilized yet pharmacologically rich medicinal plants, Solanum nigrum (Black Nightshade) and Aristolochia indica (Indian Birthwort), collected from the semi-evergreen ecosystem of Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), Borivali, Maharashtra, India. Both species, despite their rich ethnomedicinal background, remain underexplored in terms of their microbial associations. S. nigrum is known for its hepatoprotective, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory effects, while A. indica exhibits antimicrobial and antimalarial properties. Endophytes were isolated from surface-sterilized root, stem, and leaf tissues using standard culturing techniques. A total of 46 morphologically distinct bacterial and fungal endophytes were recovered and subjected to molecular identification via 16S rRNA and ITS sequencing, respectively. Functional screening revealed several promising strains with potent antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, antioxidant potential via DPPH radical scavenging assay, and cytotoxic effects against HeLa cell lines. Notably, strains of Bacillus, Streptomyces, and Fusarium showed strong metabolic profiles. Further, diversity indices (Shannon-Weaver, Simpson) indicated higher endophytic richness in A. indica roots compared to aerial parts. This investigation underscores the symbiotic microbial wealth harbored within neglected medicinal flora and their potential application in drug development pipelines. By adopting a green bioprospecting approach through plant-endophyte synergy, this study opens up a sustainable avenue for exploring bioactive compounds while conserving biodiversity. The findings lay the groundwork for future metagenomic and metabolomic studies aimed at tapping endophytic biosynthetic pathways.
Abstract: The accelerating demand for eco-friendly, sustainable therapeutic alternatives has highlighted the potential of plant-associated microbiomes as a promising resource for novel drug discovery. Among these, endophytic microorganisms those that reside asymptomatically within plant tissues—are gaining prominence due to their ability to synthesize a dive...
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Review Article
Revisiting Chemical and Microbiological Quality and Safety of Fish and Fish Products
Abdulsudi Issa-Zacharia,
Riziki Salehe Msangi*,
Goodchance Revingstone Mboya
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 3, September 2025
Pages:
73-90
Received:
13 May 2025
Accepted:
11 June 2025
Published:
4 August 2025
Abstract: Fish and fishery products constitute a primary global food source, providing essential protein and nutrients. Ensuring their safety and quality throughout the supply chain is paramount. The safety and quality of fish and fish products are paramount considerations in the global food industry but their quality and safety may be compromised at various stages of transport, handling, and processing. The major contaminants of fish and fish products are chemical and microbiological in nature. Chemical contaminants commonly found in fish, including heavy metals, pesticides, and persistent organic pollutants which pose significant risks to consumers. Microbiological contaminants are both pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms such as Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, and Vibrio spp which are often implicated in foodborne illnesses associated with seafood consumption. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the chemical and microbiological contaminants facing the fish industry while advocating for enhanced regulatory frameworks and sustainable practices to ensure consumer safety as well as modern methods for detecting these microorganisms, including molecular techniques like PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) and biosensors that enhance detection sensitivity.
Abstract: Fish and fishery products constitute a primary global food source, providing essential protein and nutrients. Ensuring their safety and quality throughout the supply chain is paramount. The safety and quality of fish and fish products are paramount considerations in the global food industry but their quality and safety may be compromised at various...
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