ENDOPHYTES OF MEDICINAL PLANTS

Endophytic microorganisms are a poorly investigated store of microorganisms 'hidden' within the host plants. Endophytes are relatively unstudied as potential sources of novel natural products for medical and commercial exploitation. Since there are so many of them occupying literally millions of unique biological niches (higher plants) growing in so many unusual environments, exciting possibilities exist in the venture into the wild and unexplored territories of the world to as engaging in the discovery of endophytes, their biology and potential usefulness. It is worth mentioning that some endophytic microorganisms isolated from medicinal plants produce the same metabolites as their hosts, so if the bioactive product of the endophytic microorganisms is unique to it and is not produced by the host, this would not only reduce the need to harvest slow growing and possibly rare plants but also preserve the world's ever-diminishing biodiversity. Furthermore, it is recognized that a microbial source of a valued product may be easier and more economical to produce, effectively reducing its market price. Many endophytic bioactive metabolites possessing a wide variety of biological activities as antibiotic, antitumor, antioxidant, antiinflammatory, etc. have been identified.

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