PRODUCTION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF GALLIC ACID WITH Streptomyces olivochromogenes ISOLATED FROM CASHEW NUT SHELL LIQUID (CNSL) DEPOSITED SOIL

Phenolic compounds are a major type of phytochemicals and among them, phenolic acids are the most potent biologically active compounds. Cashew nutshell liquid (CNSL) is a by-product that serves as a rich source of phenolic acids. Gallic acid is a major category of phenolic acids and is notable for its antimicrobial, antiviral, and antifungal properties as well as for industrial applications. The global annual requirement of gallic acid is around 8000 tonnes. Currently, the industrial production of gallic acid is facilitated by acid hydrolysis of naturally derived gGallotannins. Since the present industrial process demands higher production costs along with low product yield and release of huge volumes of toxic effluents as by-products, an enzyme dependant eco-friendly production process for gallic acid is mandatory. Microorganisms can serve as substitutes for gallic acid production since they are endowed with the capability to degrade tannic acid by producing tannase. The bacteria Streptomyces olivochromogeneswas found to be capable of producing gallic acid in the present research. The gallic acid thus produced was found to possess effective antioxidant properties, thereby preventing protein denaturation in cells. The viability of the cancer cells was found to be significantly reduced. Reduction in oxidative stress along with upregulation of the apoptotic gene BAX coupled with the downregulation of the anti-apoptotic gene BCL2 is supposed to be the underlying mechanisms behind the anticancer activity of gallic acid. Our research manifests the therapeutic efficiency, especially the anticancer property, of gallic acid produced by Streptomyces olivochromogenes.