Microbiomes in Phytotherapeutics: Pros and Cons

Abstract

This chapter highlights the significance of microbiomes especially plant<br>microbiomes in the field of therapeutics. The Plant microbiome comprises epiphytes<br>and endophytes inhabiting the surface as well as inside of the tissues of the host. These<br>microbial communities occupy a well-defined habitat and perform various activities<br>developing certain interactions with the host such as commensalism, mutualism, and<br>parasitism. For the establishment and functioning of the plant microbiome, plant root<br>releases exudate according to the nutritional requirement of particular microbial<br>species. In response to the stimulus, microbes chemotactically move towards the roots,<br>colonize and move to other parts of the plant. Microbes also adopt certain mechanisms<br>not only to colonize and multiply in specific hosts but also to promote the growth of the<br>host by secreting various plant growth hormones and exopolysaccharides. The<br>numerous compounds produced by microbes make plants tolerant of biotic and abiotic<br>stresses. The microbial communities in plant microbiome have an active role in<br>maintaining the health, ecology and physiology of the host. As a major portion of the<br>world’s population is dependent on phytotherapeutic medicines according to the World<br>Health Organization, the pharmacological characteristics of major medicinal plants<br>such as Aesculus hippocastanum and Ginkgo biloba are described in detail. This<br>chapter highlights the significance of the core role of the microbiome associated with<br>plants in the synthesis of various medicinal compounds. The phytotherapeutic potential<br>of plant microbiome revealed that endophytes and epiphytes isolated from various plant<br>species showed great potential for the production of antimicrobial as well as antiinflammatory<br>substances. The medicinally rich compounds such as antibacterial<br>proteins, phenols, saponin glycosides, flavonoids, terpenoids, carbohydrates and fatty<br>acids isolated from plant-associated microbes have various applications in the<br>treatment of fetal diseases and also exhibit anti-inflammatory action. Certain public<br>concerns are raised about the side effects of medicinal plants used in phytotherapeutics.<br>A relevant case study about public concerns along with preventative measures such as<br>rigorous testing is provided in this chapter.<br>