LAUSR

Endophytes are a diverse group of microorganisms present in plant tissues which include fungi and bacteria and have been utilized as therapeutic agents. They are known to produce different secondary and primary metabolites, which can be used in therapy of various diseases. The primary objective of this review is to provide an insight of symbiotic relationship between the endophytes and medicinal plants, specifically belonging to Asia, and also to give detailed information about the novel bioactive secondary metabolites produced from endophytes, that serve as potential therapeutic agents. We performed a Pubmed-based literature search and considered publications including research and review papers related to endophytes, the chemical constituents isolated from them and their therapeutic applications. Endophytes have a symbiotic relationship with the host medicinal plants. They provide specific advantages to plants such as nitrogen fixation. They also produce biologically active secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenes/terpenoids, polyphenols, xanthenes, anthraquinones, cytochalasins, benzofurans, steroids, lignans, polysaccharides and plant growth hormones. Many of these compounds have therapeutic applications such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory. Endophytic microbes also constitute an important source for drug discovery. This review comprehends the use of endophytes as therapeutic agents.