Analysis of endophytic microbes harboring in medicinal plants of Himalayan region with their medicinal properties

Abstract

Endophytic microbes coexist inside the plant without causing any negative impact on host. Endophytic microbes including bacteria and fungi represent huge diversity in the plants of Himalayan region with immense economic importance. Since ages, medicinal plants like Ocimum sanctum, Cinnamomum camphora, Arnebia euchroma, Taxus wallichiana, Picrorhiza kurroa (Kutki) and Pinus roxburghii are used in Ayurveda due to high curative properties. Endophytes present in these plants have been found to be associated with plant growth-promoting activities as well as therapeutic properties such as antimicrobial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic. Some endophytic microbes isolated from plants of Himalayan region are documented to produce different bioactive compounds of therapeutic interest. The species of microbes are; Tolypocladium niveum, Cylindrocarpon lucidum, Enterobacter cloacae, Alternaria alternata, Pseudomonas, Bacillus sp., etc. All have caliber to synthesize various compounds of medicinal interest against various diseases like respiratory, gastrointestinal, and skin diseases as well as repair of oncogenic cells. Therefore, it is of key significance to focus on researches pertaining to enhancement of bioactive potential in view of human health. Through a web search using the keywords “endophytes harboring in medicinal plants of Himalyan region” or “Himalayan region endophytes with their medicinal properties,” we have succinctly summarised the various medicinal plants and their endophytes residing the plants of Himalayan region with their medicinal significance in the present review. Here, we have comprehensively discussed the diversity of endophytic microbes including bacteria and fungi present in the plants and their medicinal properties to cure severe human diseases. © 2023 Elsevier Ltd