Taxol production from Pestalotiopsis sp an endophytic fungus Isolated from Catharanthus roseus

Abstract

Pestalotiopsis sp an endophytic fungi isolated from the medicinal plant Catharanthus roseus, was screened for the production of taxol. The culture filtrate of the Pestalotiopsis sp was extracted with methylene chloride and examined for the presence of taxol by chromatographic and spectroscopic analysis. The results of both the analysis confirmed the presence of taxol. The amount of taxol produced by this fungus, quantified by high performance liquid chromatography was found to be 92µg/L in MID liquid medium. The results designate that the fungal endophyte, Pestalotiopsis funerea is an excellent alternate source for taxol supply and it is also serves as a potential species in medicinal field.