Distribution, cytotoxicity, and antioxidant activity of fungal endophytes isolated from Tsuga chinensis (Franch.) Pritz. in Ha Giang province, Vietnam

Abstract Purpose An endangered Tsuga chinensis (Franch.) Pritz. is widely used as a natural medicinal herb in many countries, but little has been reported on its culturable endophytic fungi capable of producing secondary metabolites applied modern medicine and pharmacy. The present study aimed to evaluate the distribution fungal endophytes their cytotoxic antioxidant properties. Methods This surface sterilization method isolate which were then identified using morphological characteristics ITS sequence analysis. antimicrobial potentials ethyl acetate extracts evaluated by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) sulforhodamine B (SRB) assays, respectively. Paclitaxel-producing primarily screened PCR-based molecular markers. Additionally, biochemical assays reveal potencies selected strains. Results A total sixteen that belonged 7 known 1 unknown genera isolated from T. . greatest number was found leaves (50%), followed stems (31.3%) roots (18.7%). Out 16 strains, 33.3% showed significant activities against at least 4 pathogens with inhibition zones ranging 11.0 ± 0.4 25.8 0.6 mm. most prominent cytotoxicity A549 MCF7 cell lines (IC 50 value < 92.4 ?g/mL) observed Penicillium sp. SDF4, SDF5, Aspergillus SDF8, SDF17. three key genes ( dbat , bapt ts ) involved paclitaxel biosynthesis, strains SDF17 gave one or two positive hits, holding potential for billion-dollar anticancer drug paclitaxel. Furthermore, four bioactive also displayed remarkable wide-range activity DPPH, hydroxyl radical, superoxide anion, relation high content flavonoids polyphenols detected. Conclusion exploited first time promising source discovery new compounds leads candidates.