Endophytic Fungi from Terminalia Species: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Endophytic fungi have proven their usefulness for drug discovery, as suggested by the structural complexity and chemical diversity of their secondary metabolites. The diversity and biological activities of endophytic fungi from the Terminalia species have been reported. Therefore, we set out to discuss the influence of seasons, locations, and even the plant species on the diversity of endophytic fungi, as well as their biological activities and secondary metabolites isolated from potent strains. Our investigation reveals that among the 200–250 Terminalia species reported, only thirteen species have been studied so far for their endophytic fungi content. Overall, more than 47 fungi genera have been reported from the Terminalia species, and metabolites produced by some of these fungi exhibited diverse biological activities including antimicrobial, antioxidant, antimalarial, anti-inflammatory, anti-hypercholesterolemic, anticancer, and biocontrol varieties. Moreover, more than 40 compounds with eighteen newly described secondary metabolites were reported; among these, metabolites are the well-known anticancer drugs, a group that includes taxol, antioxidant compounds, isopestacin, and pestacin. This summary of data illustrates the considerable diversity and biological potential of fungal endophytes of the Terminalia species and gives insight into important findings while paving the way for future investigations.

Elucidating Mechanisms of Endophytes Used in Plant Protection and Other Bioactivities With Multifunctional Prospects

“…Globally cancer prevalence is said to have increased to 9.6 million deaths and 18.1 million cases in the year 2018 (Toghueo, 2019). All over the world, those who survive cancer disease within 5 years of its detection are approximated as 43.8 million (Toghueo et al, 2019). In 2004 cancer was said to be responsible for about 13% (estimated to be 7.4 million) of the world death (Gouda et al, 2016).…”

Pharmacological Potential of Fungal Endophytes Associated with Medicinal Plants: A Review

“…Metabolic compounds such as 2,6-dihydroxy-2-methyl-7-(prop-1E-enyl)-1-benzofuran-3(2H)-one, munumbicin A, B, C, and D, altersolanol A, 3-O-methylalaternin, phomoenamide, ambuic acid, fumigaclavine C, asperfumoid, fumitremorgin C, physcion, helvolic acid, isopestacin, ergosterol peroxide, phomodione, and pestalotheol C produced by endophytic fungi Aspergillus fumigatus CY018, Pestalotiopsis theae by various plants exhibiting potent inhibition against some fungal and viral pathogens such as Candida albicans are known [ 60 ].…”

“…Due to the side effects of some antidiabetic drugs (alpha-glucosidase inhibitor and acarbose), there is a need to search for new and alternative therapies with fewer or no harmful side effects. Fungal endophytes stand as a promising source of natural bioactive metabolites with strong antidiabetic activity and have been considered viable and economical [ 60 ]. In vivo and in vitro assays of compound lectin (N-acetylgalactosamine, 64 kDa) produced by the endophytic fungus Alternaria spp.…”

Microorganisms: A Potential Source of Bioactive molecules for Antioxidants and Antimicrobial Applications

“…A wide range of natural products including antioxidants, anti-cancerous, anti-viral, antiinsecticidal, immunosuppressant, anti-mycobacterial, anti-microbial and anti-malarial, has been considered from endophytic fungi [99]. The discovery of antioxidant compounds from Pestalotiopsis microspore, an endophytic fungus which was isolated from Terminalia morobensis, has directed the way towards the exploration for endophytic fungi with such potential [100]. Zeng et al (2011) explored 49 endophytic fungi, which were isolated from the liverwort Scapania verrucosa for in-vitro antioxidant activities.…”