Screening of Piper hispidum endophytic fungi that produce terpenes and antibacterial substances

The plant species Piper hispidum has extensive economic potential due to the production of safrole, a component of its essential oil with proven antimicrobial and insecticidal activity. One strategy for obtaining bioactive compounds through extraction from plant species is by using endophytic microorganisms, since they can produce the same substances synthesized by the host. Therefore, this study aimed to isolate fungal endophytes from P. hispidum and verify their ability to produce terpenes and antimicrobial substances. Fifty-eight (58) endophytic fungi were investigated. In the metabolic media compounds with antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus vulgaris, Escherichia coli and Shigella sonnei were detected; none of the fungi produced safrole. However, the results suggest the production of β-caryophyllene and terpinolene by three isolates. This study shows that investigation of fungal diversity associated with P. hispidum offers promising perspectives for biotechnology.