Linking mycorrhizal technology with medicinal plant secondary metabolites

Abstract

Mycorrhizae are symbiotic associations formed between the roots of most plant species and fungi. Symbiosis is characterized by bidirectional movement of nutrients where carbon flows to the fungus from the plant and inorganic nutrients move to the plant, thereby providing a critical linkage between the plant, root and soil. Symbiosis of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) with higher plants results in growth promotion and accumulation of secondary metabolites like alkaloids, flavonoids and terpenoids, which have pharmacological characteristics. A detailed study revealed that mutualistic symbiosis has great applications in cultivation of medicinal/endangered plants for obtaining a high level of bioactive compounds. Recent work suggest that mycorrhization not only has a positive effect on various plant growth parameters but also enhances the essential oil concentrations, alkaloids, flavanoids and other secondary metabolites in a number of plants from different plant families. Endangered plant species like Plantago atrata, Pulsatilla slavica (IUCN Red list) and Senecio umbrosus have wide possibilities in improving their ex-situ conservation and enhancement of metabolic content through mycorrhizal technology. Mycorrhizal technology may be used in the enhancement of plant's secondary metabolites efficacious as antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal content and also in conservation of endangered plant species.