Endophytic Bacteria: Value Addition in Medicinal Plants

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

Keywords: Chemical interface, Endophytic bacteria, Metabolites, Medicinal plants.