Profile and analysis of metabolite compounds of the endophytic fungus K-10 from as antioxidants and antibacterials.

Endophytic fungi are known for producing secondary metabolites with valuable biological activities, including antiviral, anticancer, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. This study aims to evaluate an endophytic fungus from Dragon Scales leaves () and analyze its metabolites as antioxidants and antibacterials. In this study, an endophytic fungus was isolated from the leaves of Dragon Scales (. ) and identified using molecular analysis of the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) ribosomal RNA locus. The fungus was authenticated as strain K-10. Crude extracts were obtained using -hexane and ethyl acetate and analyzed via GC-MS Shimadzu-QP 2010 Ultra with NIST spectral library. Antibacterial activity was observed against and using the paper disc method, showing inhibition zones of 8.7-9.3 mm and 8.8-9.4 mm for ethyl acetate and -hexane extracts, respectively. Ethyl acetate and -hexane extracts exhibited strong antioxidant potential against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazil (DPPH) radical (IC values of 50.99 μg mL and 74.44 μg mL, respectively). GC-MS analysis revealed 40 compounds in both extracts, some of which, including 2-ethylhexyl ester benzoic acid, benzo-b-dihydropyran-6-hydroxy-4-4-5-7-8-pentamethyl, diethyl phthalate, and octadecanoic acid, were identified through analysis and found to possess antioxidant properties. These findings hold implications for potential applications of the plant and its biological constituent to be developed as lead compounds in the medical sector.