Summary
This narrative review explores the symbiotic relationship between plants and endophytic microorganisms as a mechanism for sustainable enhancement of pharmaceutical secondary metabolite biosynthesis. The authors argue that endophytic microbiota offer an eco-friendly alternative to agrochemical inputs in medicinal plant cultivation, whilst reducing environmental and health harms associated with conventional pest management. The review proposes that strategic microbiome manipulation using advanced techniques could support both pharmaceutical industry demands and ecosystem conservation.
Regional applicability
The findings are globally applicable, as medicinal plant cultivation and endophyte-mediated secondary metabolite biosynthesis are relevant to pharmaceutical industries worldwide. The review's emphasis on reducing agrochemical dependence and promoting sustainable practices aligns with United Kingdom agricultural policy goals around soil health and pesticide reduction, though specific UK implementation strategies would require further applied research.
Key measures
Not applicable — this is a narrative review synthesising existing knowledge on plant-endophyte interactions and secondary metabolite production rather than reporting empirical measurements.
Outcomes reported
The review examines how endophytic microorganisms interact with medicinal plants to enhance biosynthesis of pharmaceutically important secondary metabolites. It proposes microbiome manipulation as a sustainable alternative to agrochemical use in medicinal plant cultivation.
Supporting research
Primary review explicitly discusses medicinal-plant cultivation, agrochemical pest control, soil degradation and sustainable plant/endophyte biosynthesis.
Limits: Supporting non-food-crop cultivation/soil mechanisms; pharmaceutical endpoints are distinct from farm outcomes or dietary benefits. No new field intervention is established.
Topic tags
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