Endophytic Microbial Community and its Potential Applications: A Review

Abstract

Endophytes are present in all plant species across the world. They assist their hosts by producing several chemicals/metabolites that provide protection and, ultimately, survival value to their host plants. In various studies, endophytes have been demonstrated to be a new and potential source of novel natural chemicals for application in modern medicine, agriculture, and industry. Endophytes have developed a variety of natural chemicals that include antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anticancer, antiparasitic, cytotoxic, antidiabetic, immunosuppressive, antitubercular, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidants. These chemicals are involved in biodegradation and biofertilizers that promote the growth of plants. Screening these endophytic metabolites is regarded as a promising technique to combat drug-resistant human and plant disease strains. In this review, the basic concept of endophytes, the variety of endophytic microbiome, as well as the application of endophytes are presented. This knowledge may be used to extract improved bioactive compounds from endophytes and may serve as a foundation for future research.