Effect of fungal endophytes isolated from Nepeta crispa on human pathogenic fungi in vitro conditions

Background and Aim : Nepeta crispa (Lamiaceae) is one of the endemic plants of Hamedan. This plant grows wild and parts of the heights of Hamadan province. Therapeutically, it has anti-flatulence, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antibacterial properties. Endophytic fungi are often referred to asymptomatic fungi that can be present in all plants. They live in the intracellular space of plant stems, roots and leaves without any obvious negative effects. Some endophytes may improve host growth, nutrient uptake, and improve plant ability to tolerate abiotic stresses such as drought and salinity and reduce biological stress by increasing plant resistance to insects, pathogens and pests. Methods : In this study, endophytic fungi isolated from N. crispa were used and the their biocontrol and antagonistic ability was evaluated by cross-culture on PDA against human pathogenic fungi such as Candida glabrata, Aspergillus niger and Pseudallescheria boydii. Test was performed Based on a randomized complete block design with ۵ treatments and three replications. Statistical test was performed by SPSS ۲۰.۰ software. Results : The results were evaluated seven days after test. The results showed that the effect of endophytic fungi on pathogenic fungi was significant (p<۰.۰۱) and Penicillium paneum FB۱۱ and Curvularia inaequalis FB۷ showed similar effects on A. niger (NS) and Fusarium oxysporum FB۱۰ and P. paneum FB۱۱ showed similar effects on C. glabrata (NS). Also P. paneum FB۱۱ and Ceratobasidium sp. FB۱۳ showed similar effects on C. glabrata (NS). Examination of the percentage of inhibition showed that Paecilomyces maximus FB۸ had the highest percentage of inhibition on C. glabrata, A. niger and P. boydii (۶۳.۳۳%, ۵۲.۵۰% and ۷۷.۴۲%, respectively) in compared to other endophytes. Conclusion : P. maximus FB۸ (an endophytic fungi) could be a promising for future as a biocontrol and antagonist on studied human pathogenic fungi.