Endophytic Microflora of Sri Lankan Plants: An Overview of the Therapeutic and Agricultural Applications of the Secondary Metabolites

Endophytic fungi, which are known to inhabit all plants in any surrounding, have been established solidly as luxuriant producers of secondary metabolites and a propitious origin of bioactive compounds with many applications pharmaceutically, agriculturally and industrially. Sri Lanka, a tropical island rightfully recognized as part of the 34 biodiversity hotspots in the world, is home to a plethora of endophytic species. Its unique environmental settings, such as rainforests and mangroves, have thus sparked interest in the minds of scientists to pursue this field of research in order to understand the full potential of these microorganisms being inhabited. The emphasis of this chapter lies on the novel metabolites isolated from endophytic fungi of Sri Lanka and their bioactivities in terms of therapeutic and agricultural aspects. Many of them have exhibited potent bioactivities and could definitely be utilized in the establishment of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. The current challenges faced with respect to ongoing studies related to this subject and ways to overcome them in future have been suggested. Attempts to change the monotonous pattern of determining the same type of bioactivities of compounds are encouraged, thereby digging up hidden secrets to favour the advancement of medicine, industries and agriculture.