Endophytic Fungi from Lavander Brings Hope for Fighting Superbugs and Cancer
- jiaxin chen
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
What Are Endophytic Fungi?
Endophytic fungi are tiny organisms that live inside plants, helping them grow while making useful substances. A study by Samy Selim, Mohammed H. Moustafa, Mohammed S. Almuhayawi, and Hassan S. Gattan from Al Jouf University, published in Scientific Reports in 2025, looked at fungi from Lavandula stricta, a plant from Saudi Arabia. These fungi produce compounds that could tackle antibiotic-resistant bacteria and cancer, opening the door to new treatments.
The Danger of Superbugs
Superbugs are bacteria that antibiotics can’t easily kill, making infections harder to treat. The World Health Organization says superbugs could cause 10 million deaths a year by 2050 if we don’t act. The fungi from Lavandula stricta might offer a solution by producing substances that stop these bacteria.
Stopping Bacteria and Biofilms
The researchers tested 10 fungi from Lavandula stricta and found that one, called Sarocladium kiliense, was especially powerful. They used a substance (ethyl acetate extract, or EACE) from this fungus, which stopped Staphylococcus aureus, a dangerous bacterium, at a concentration of 250 micrograms per millilitre. This is close to the strength of drugs like amoxicillin (for bacteria) or fluconazole (for fungi).
The extract also broke down biofilms, which are protective layers bacteria create. Biofilms can make bacteria 1,000 times harder to kill according to the National Institutes of Health. By destroying these layers, the fungal extract could make infections easier to treat.
Fighting Cancer And Protecting the Body with Antioxidants
The Sarocladium kiliense extract was tested on liver cancer (Hep G2) and breast cancer (MCF-7) cells. It stopped 50% of liver cancer cell growth and breast cancer cells. This suggests the fungi make compounds that could fight cancer, possibly with fewer side effects than current drugs.
The extract also works as an antioxidant, meaning it can clear harmful molecules called free radicals that cause diseases like cancer or heart problems. Compared to vitamin C, the extract was effective at neutralizing these molecules, which could help prevent or treat health issues.
What’s Inside the Extract?
Using a technique called gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, the researchers found 41 compounds in the Sarocladium kiliense extract. These included benzene, hexadecanoic acid, and octadecenoic acid. Some of these, like hexadecanoic acid, reduce inflammation, while others may prevent blood clots or fight bacteria.
The study measured compounds like phenolics, flavonoids, alkaloids, and tannins in the extract. Flavonoids, which help fight bacteria and protect cells, were found in large amounts. Phenolics and tannins also help stop infections and cell damage, making the extract a strong candidate for new medicines.
A Call to Action
This research shows that fungi in Lavandula stricta could lead to new drugs for superbugs and cancer. With 41 active compounds, there’s a lot to explore. These natural substances might be safer than some existing treatments, offering hope for better health solutions.
Turning these compounds into medicines requires more work. Scientists need to produce them in large amounts and test them in clinical trials. They also need to ensure the fungi can be grown sustainably to protect the environment.
The work by Samy Selim, Mohammed H. Moustafa, Mohammed S. Almuhayawi, and Hassan S. Gattan from Al Jouf University shows how nature’s fungi could solve big health problems. Biotech companies and researchers should work together to turn these discoveries into real-world treatments.
