Untapped Potentials of Endophytic Fungi: A Review of Novel Bioactive Compounds with Biological Applications
Over the last century, endophytic fungi have gained tremendous attention due to their ability to produce novel bioactive compounds exhibiting varied biological properties and are, therefore, utilized for medicinal, pharmaceutical, and agricultural applications. Endophytic fungi reside within the pla...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2020-12-01
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| Series: | Microorganisms |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/8/12/1934 |
| _version_ | 1797545624444338176 |
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| author | Madira Coutlyne Manganyi Collins Njie Ateba |
| author_facet | Madira Coutlyne Manganyi Collins Njie Ateba |
| author_sort | Madira Coutlyne Manganyi |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Over the last century, endophytic fungi have gained tremendous attention due to their ability to produce novel bioactive compounds exhibiting varied biological properties and are, therefore, utilized for medicinal, pharmaceutical, and agricultural applications. Endophytic fungi reside within the plant tissues without showing any disease symptoms, thus supporting the physiological and ecological attributes of the host plant. Ground breaking lead compounds, such as paclitaxel and penicillin, produced by endophytic fungi have paved the way for exploring novel bioactive compounds for commercial usage. Despite this, limited research has been conducted in this valuable and unique niche area. These bioactive compounds belong to various structural groups, including alkaloids, peptides, steroids, terpenoids, phenols, quinones, phenols, and flavonoids. The current review focuses on the significance of endophytic fungi in producing novel bioactive compounds possessing a variety of biological properties that include antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiprotozoal, antiparasitic, antioxidant, immunosuppressant, and anticancer functions. Taking into consideration the portal of this publication, special emphasis is placed on the antimicrobial and antiviral activities of metabolites produced by endophytes against human pathogens. It also highlights the importance of utilization of these compounds as potential treatment agents for serious life-threatening infectious diseases. This is supported by the fact that several findings have indicated that these bioactive compounds may significantly contribute towards the fight against resistant human and plant pathogens, thus motivating the need enhance the search for new, more efficacious and cost-effective antimicrobial drugs. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-10T14:17:55Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-dfffc8bed3514eeeab2c8c0970b62bcb |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2076-2607 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-10T14:17:55Z |
| publishDate | 2020-12-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Microorganisms |
| spelling | doaj.art-dfffc8bed3514eeeab2c8c0970b62bcb2023-11-20T23:40:07ZengMDPI AGMicroorganisms2076-26072020-12-01812193410.3390/microorganisms8121934Untapped Potentials of Endophytic Fungi: A Review of Novel Bioactive Compounds with Biological ApplicationsMadira Coutlyne Manganyi0Collins Njie Ateba1Department of Microbiology, North West University Mafikeng Campus, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho 2735, South AfricaFood Security and Safety Niche Area, Faculty of Agriculture, Science and Technology, North West University, Mmabatho, Mafikeng 2735, South AfricaOver the last century, endophytic fungi have gained tremendous attention due to their ability to produce novel bioactive compounds exhibiting varied biological properties and are, therefore, utilized for medicinal, pharmaceutical, and agricultural applications. Endophytic fungi reside within the plant tissues without showing any disease symptoms, thus supporting the physiological and ecological attributes of the host plant. Ground breaking lead compounds, such as paclitaxel and penicillin, produced by endophytic fungi have paved the way for exploring novel bioactive compounds for commercial usage. Despite this, limited research has been conducted in this valuable and unique niche area. These bioactive compounds belong to various structural groups, including alkaloids, peptides, steroids, terpenoids, phenols, quinones, phenols, and flavonoids. The current review focuses on the significance of endophytic fungi in producing novel bioactive compounds possessing a variety of biological properties that include antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiprotozoal, antiparasitic, antioxidant, immunosuppressant, and anticancer functions. Taking into consideration the portal of this publication, special emphasis is placed on the antimicrobial and antiviral activities of metabolites produced by endophytes against human pathogens. It also highlights the importance of utilization of these compounds as potential treatment agents for serious life-threatening infectious diseases. This is supported by the fact that several findings have indicated that these bioactive compounds may significantly contribute towards the fight against resistant human and plant pathogens, thus motivating the need enhance the search for new, more efficacious and cost-effective antimicrobial drugs.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/8/12/1934bioactive compoundsbiological activitiesendophytic fungidiscoverynovel |
| spellingShingle | Madira Coutlyne Manganyi Collins Njie Ateba Untapped Potentials of Endophytic Fungi: A Review of Novel Bioactive Compounds with Biological Applications Microorganisms bioactive compounds biological activities endophytic fungi discovery novel |
| title | Untapped Potentials of Endophytic Fungi: A Review of Novel Bioactive Compounds with Biological Applications |
| title_full | Untapped Potentials of Endophytic Fungi: A Review of Novel Bioactive Compounds with Biological Applications |
| title_fullStr | Untapped Potentials of Endophytic Fungi: A Review of Novel Bioactive Compounds with Biological Applications |
| title_full_unstemmed | Untapped Potentials of Endophytic Fungi: A Review of Novel Bioactive Compounds with Biological Applications |
| title_short | Untapped Potentials of Endophytic Fungi: A Review of Novel Bioactive Compounds with Biological Applications |
| title_sort | untapped potentials of endophytic fungi a review of novel bioactive compounds with biological applications |
| topic | bioactive compounds biological activities endophytic fungi discovery novel |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/8/12/1934 |
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