Harnessing <i>Bacillus</i> spp. for sustainable production of medicinal plants: from growth promotion and stress protection to specialized-metabolite enhancement

Plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) play a crucial role in enhancing plant health and productivity. Among PGPBs, the genus <italic>Bacillus</italic> has become a research hotspot due to its diverse beneficial functions. Existing research has predominantly focused on their role in crop growth and stress tolerance, with limited attention given to their relationship with medicinal plants. Unlike general crops, accumulation of specialized metabolites (SMs) is essential for medicinal plant cultivation, and the quality of medicinal plant products is a combined output of both internal and external factors. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in understanding the role of <italic>Bacillus</italic> spp. in promoting the growth of medicinal plants, enhancing tolerance to environmental stresses, promoting the accumulation of bioactive compounds, and improving soil fertility. By synthesizing the existing knowledge, this review provides a further background for exploring the potential of <italic>Bacillus</italic> in optimizing growth and specialized metabolism in medicinal plants. It also suggests future research directions to encourage in-depth investigations into the interaction between <italic>Bacillus</italic> spp. and medicinal plants in the artificial intelligence (AI) era, ultimately leading to innovative strategies that prioritize plant health and the yield of medicinal products. Expanding understanding of beneficial interactions will further pave the way for sustainable and efficient medicinal plant production and agricultural practices.

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