Endophytic Fungi: A Potential Source of Bioactive Compounds for Commercial and Therapeutic Applications

Endophyte biology is an emerging field. The backbone of the endophytes is plants. The microorganisms like bacteria and fungi live in the tissues, leaves and roots of plants for some reason like habitat, food and protection. The host plant may be or may not be affected, and sometimes they have symbiotic relationship also. The importance of studying the endophytes is their secondary metabolite production. The secondary metabolites have been isolated, and many studies have been carried out. These are biologically active compounds which include alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids and phenols. The endophytes not only produce secondary metabolites but also some useful and novel enzymes that are used in biotechnology field for various purposes like degradation, bio transforming organic compounds with many advantages over other methods and therapeutic applications. The secondary metabolites are used as anticancer, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antimalarial and as an immunosuppressive agent. Hence considering these important and wide range of applications, the endophytes may have an imperative position in the life of humans, plants and additionally for the environment in several ways.