Exploring bioactive metabolites produced by endophytes associated with the genus Curcuma L.: A pharmaceutical prospect

Introduction

Endophytes are considered preeminent candidates for novel drug discovery as they possess a wide variety of bioactive compounds. The diversity, biological activities, and metabolites produced by endophytes associated with Curcuma have been studied for the last few years. Therefore, the present review aims to draw attention to the bioactive metabolites produced by endophytes associated with Curcuma species and their significance in the pharmaceutical sector.

Method

The literature investigation was carried out through various databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, Elsevier Science Direct, ResearchGate, and Google Scholar. The taxonomic data was validated through “The World Flora Online”, “Medicinal Plant Names Services”, “Plants of the World Online”, and “The Plant List”.

Results

This literature study revealed that amongst Curcuma species, only 11 species have been studied in the context of endophytes so far. Overall, a total number of 42 endophyte-derived metabolites exhibited various biological activities with anticancer, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, and many more were encountered. The reported compounds belong to different chemical classes such as alkaloids, phenolics, terpenoids, steroids, polyketides, and other compounds.

Conclusion

This review evidenced Curcuma colonized endophytes as a source of pharmaceutically significant metabolites. This compiled data could act as a source of information on potent endophytes and their bioactive metabolites reported from Curcuma and pave the way for future investigations.