An Introduction to Legume Biotechnology

Abstract

Legumes are the group of predominant nitrogen fixers that act as a source of wide variety of secondary metabolites that act as a line of defence against various bacterial, fungal, parasitic and predatory species. The symbiotic bacterial species establishes a syntopic interaction by quorum sensing and develop a biofilm that help is building up of the symbiotic relation with the plant. This association not only helps in the mode of nitrogen fixation but also helps in increasing the bioactive contents along with various types of abiotic components found in soil. These bioactive compounds have wide therapeutic potential, as significantly used as anti-aging, antimicrobial, antibiofilm, antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective agents. The compounds also act as antiangiogenic agent and prevent the proliferation of disease causing pathogens. Hence, legumes not only help in sustainable development of plant and agriculture, but also possess significant therapeutic potential to promote human health. The present article thus reviews the contribution of legumes towards nitrogen fixation to facilitate plant growth and discusses their bioactive compounds having beneficial role in regulating human health.