Screening of Clitoria ternatea and Cymbopogon citratus for presence of endophytes

The term ‘endophytes’ encompasses a suite of micro-organisms that thrive in association with plants without causing any apparent symptoms or damage to the host. The two medicinal plants selected for the current study, Clitoria ternatea L. and Cymbopogon citratus L. were successfully screened for endophytes. Bacterial endophytes were isolated and characterized. These isolates were further studied for any beneficial property with a view to develop a useful application. The endophytes were studied for production of phenolic compounds using test and total phenolic content was quantitated by performing a spectrophotometric assay employing Folin Ciocalteau reagent. The endophytic isolates were also screened for production of antioxidants and the percent antioxidant activity of the culture broth was determined.