The Medicinal Properties Of Limonium Discovered In Its Endophytic Species

Abstract

The endophytic species of Limonium (Sea Lavender) was tested for its medicinal properties. Sea lavender was collected from the salt marsh located near the Salem State University campus. Endophytes are often bacterium or fungus that lives within a plant for at least part of its life without causing apparent harm.1 Endophytes may benefit host plants by preventing pathogenic organisms from colonizing them. Endophytic fungi were derived from the harvested stem and roots of the plant. The endophytes were analyzed and displayed antibacterial properties for Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. The stem samples from the plant were also analyzed via LC-MS to identify medicinal compounds within the endophytic species. As a result, twelve bioactive metabolites were identified with anticancer, antibacterial, anti-anxiety, anti-dysrhythmic, and anti-depressant properties. Sea lavender is a plant that grows in and can be found in salt marsh locations. They are long-lived perennials that will grow in many different climates. Sea lavender plants are most often planted in outdoor gardens for their attractive flowers. Sea lavender is known to have medicinal properties in its endophytic species. Different Limonium species are used in Chinese, European, Latin America, and Arabian traditional medicines for the treatment of different health problems, such as cardiovascular and inflammatory problems. This research identifies which compounds are found and used in this plant.