Antimicrobial activity of Rudraksha (Elaeocarpus ganitrus L.)

Elaeocarpus ganitrus L., commonly known as Rudraksha in India is a medicinal plant which is used for curing various diseases. The bead of Rudraksha is considered as the symbol which signifies the linkage between the Earth and Heaven because of which it has its own significance in religious and spiritual aspect. In the present study, isolation of endophytes was performed using surface sterilization method. Endophytes are known to benefit the host plant by producing phytohormones, promoting growth and producing enzymes exhibiting antimicrobial activities. A total of 12 bacteria and 7 fungal endophytes were isolated from both bark and leaf part of plant and these were screened further for production of extracellular enzymes.