The spore forming Bacillus species have created enormous interest as probiotics in the recent years, because of it’s most important character of thermo-stability that assures its viability in the finished product. Thus, we aimed to explore functional and probiotic properties of indigenous Bacillus coagulans (n= 32), Bacillus pumilus (n= 2) and Bacillus subtilis (n= 2) strains. Intrinsic functional properties like acid and bile salt tolerance, cell surface hydrophobicity and rate of acid production for survival and action in the gut were investigated in-vitro for thirty six isolates. Further, we screened the best ten Bacillus strains and studied extensively for their different probiotic attributes and made a comparative account. Based on the relative probiotic performances, Bacillus coagulans B37 and Bacillus pumilus B9 (both isolated from buffalo milk) were appeared to be well adapted to the gastro intestinal environment and found to deliver good probiotic attributes, especially for antibacterial, hypocholesterolemic and -galactosidase enzyme activities. Though majority of Bacillus species still claims better niche and requires Generally Recognized as Safe (GARG) status, these two new indigenous strains, B. coagulans B37 and B. pumilus B9 might be potential for probiotic use after proper clinical studies and safety assessment in animals and human.

The alkaloid fraction of leaves of Prosopis juliflora were isolated by acid-base fractionation. The antifusarial activity of the alkaloid fractions against Fusarium solani were evaluated by disc diffusion assay and minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC). The effect of the active alkaloid fraction on F. solani mycelium and conidia was studied using mycelium growth inhibition assay, biomass production, release of cellular material, spore germination assay, light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The total alkaloid fraction subjected to TLC eluted 4 bands with Rf values of 0.52, 0.6, 0.81, 0.84. All the bands were subjected to antifusarial activity. Band II (Rf value 0.6) showed significant antifusarial activity with zone of inhibition of 39.3 mm and MIC of 40 µg/ml against F. solani. The LC-MS analysis of Band II indicated the presence of Juliprosopine and Prosopine. At 50 µg/ml concentration, the active alkaloid fraction showed significant reduction in mycelial growth, biomass production and spore germination which was confirmed by microscopic studies. The active alkaloid fraction also effected the fungal cell wall leading to the leakage of cellular material. Molecular docking using ligand fit protocol with Autodock tool was carried out to understand the interaction of β-glucosidase of F. solani with active alkaloid fraction to propose the possible mechanism of action for the antifusarial activity. The ligands Juliprosopine and Prosopine showed hydrogen bond interaction with active sites of the protein at minimum binding energy. The present study indicates the strong inhibition potential of the active alkaloid fraction against F. solani.