Endophytic Bacteria are Potential Source of Medicinal Plant Therapeutics and Bioactive Compound Synthesis

Tanwy Chowdhury¹, Md. Asaduzzaman Shishir², Md. Fakruddin^1*

This review discusses endophytic bacteria, which is a novel, large source of bioactive compounds that enhance plant therapeutics and advance drug discovery potential.

Abstract

Background: Endophytic bacteria residing within plant tissues play a crucial role in promoting plant health and enhancing the production of secondary metabolites, thereby increasing the therapeutic value of medicinal plants. These bacteria exhibit significant taxonomic diversity and ecological distribution, forming symbiotic relationships with their host plants, ranging from mutualism to commensalism. Methods: This review discusses the ecological niches, diversity, and interactions of endophytic bacteria within various medicinal plants. Sampling of roots, stems, leaves, and other plant tissues was conducted, followed by isolation and identification of bacterial species using molecular techniques. The relationships between endophytic bacteria and their hosts were analyzed through ecological assessments and bioactivity assays. Results: Endophytic bacteria demonstrated substantial diversity, predominantly belonging to phyla such as Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Firmicutes. Notable genera included Bacillus, Pseudomonas, and Streptomyces, which exhibited plant growth-promoting and antimicrobial properties. The study identified specific endophytes that enhanced the production of key bioactive compounds in medicinal plants, contributing to their therapeutic efficacy. Conclusion: The symbiotic relationships between endophytic bacteria and medicinal plants reveal a largely untapped reservoir of bioactive compounds with promising therapeutic applications. Understanding the ecological dynamics and biochemical pathways involved in these interactions offers opportunities for innovative approaches in drug discovery and sustainable agriculture. Future research should focus on characterizing these microbial communities and their metabolites to unlock their full potential in medicine and beyond.

Keywords: Endophytic bacteria, phytosymbionts, medicinal plants, bioactive compounds, drug discovery, secondary metabolites, antimicrobial agents, plant-microbe interactions, bioprospecting, pharmaceutical potential.

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