Microbiomes in Phytotherapeutics: Pros and Cons

This chapter highlights the significance of microbiomes especially plant
microbiomes in the field of therapeutics. The Plant microbiome comprises epiphytes
and endophytes inhabiting the surface as well as inside of the tissues of the host. These
microbial communities occupy a well-defined habitat and perform various activities
developing certain interactions with the host such as commensalism, mutualism, and
parasitism. For the establishment and functioning of the plant microbiome, plant root
releases exudate according to the nutritional requirement of particular microbial
species. In response to the stimulus, microbes chemotactically move towards the roots,
colonize and move to other parts of the plant. Microbes also adopt certain mechanisms
not only to colonize and multiply in specific hosts but also to promote the growth of the
host by secreting various plant growth hormones and exopolysaccharides. The
numerous compounds produced by microbes make plants tolerant of biotic and abiotic
stresses. The microbial communities in plant microbiome have an active role in
maintaining the health, ecology and physiology of the host. As a major portion of the
world’s population is dependent on phytotherapeutic medicines according to the World
Health Organization, the pharmacological characteristics of major medicinal plants
such as Aesculus hippocastanum and Ginkgo biloba are described in detail. This
chapter highlights the significance of the core role of the microbiome associated with
plants in the synthesis of various medicinal compounds. The phytotherapeutic potential
of plant microbiome revealed that endophytes and epiphytes isolated from various plant
species showed great potential for the production of antimicrobial as well as antiinflammatory
substances. The medicinally rich compounds such as antibacterial
proteins, phenols, saponin glycosides, flavonoids, terpenoids, carbohydrates and fatty
acids isolated from plant-associated microbes have various applications in the
treatment of fetal diseases and also exhibit anti-inflammatory action. Certain public
concerns are raised about the side effects of medicinal plants used in phytotherapeutics.
A relevant case study about public concerns along with preventative measures such as
rigorous testing is provided in this chapter.