Endophytic Bacteria: Value Addition in Medicinal Plants

Abstract

Plants and microorganisms have long evolved together and our most recent<br>discoveries using advanced techniques have allowed us to understand the chemical<br>interface within the plant further explaining the relationship between them. As we<br>discover the interaction between the plants and the associated microorganisms, it has<br>been clearer to us that there has been a synergy more evident than that of antagonism<br>among them. A lot of chemicals or metabolites are being released favouring both the<br>host as well as the microbes during this contact. Such an interaction which leads to the<br>release of certain metabolites can be managed and manipulated in bringing about<br>positive effects for the biosphere and environment. One instance of this positive effect<br>can be the use of medicinal plants and their microbe-facilitated associated metabolites<br>which may be regulated through the application of different endophytic<br>microorganisms. If we can control the release of different metabolites from plants<br>particularly from those of medicinal plants, we can harvest significant benefits for<br>human and animal health as we are utilizing endophytes for their role as biofertilizers.<br>The food for medicine concept has been emerging and requires quick and efficient<br>identification of metabolites as well as chemicals that may be used in addressing<br>multiple diseases in human beings and other animals.<br>