Microbial endophytes: Their resilience for innovative treatment solution to neglected tropical diseases

Abstract

Fungal endophytes are relatively overlooked as a platform for discovering bioactive molecules against some major neglected tropical diseases, until some recent reports. Looking their potential as prolific producer of bioactive compounds against array of diseases and ailments makes them a suitable platform for such explorations. A major part of third world countries are facing growing problems of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). More than two billion people of tropical and subtropical countries are facing serious health problems caused by lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis, echinococcosis, and other helminthic and zoonotic infections. Increasing side effects and appearance of resistance to the synthetic anthelmintics stimulates researchers for exploration of novel natural alternatives from medicinal plants and their associated endophytic microbes as a useful alternative. In this chapter, some aspects with respect to novel chemistry of endophytes and their structure activity relationship (SAR) toward tropical diseases like antiparasitic, antimalarial, and other neglected tropical diseases have been discussed.