Piriformospora indica (Serendipita indica) enhances growth and secondary metabolites in Cucurma longa

Abstract

Since Vedic times, haldi has been used as an important spice and in medicinal remedies. Haldi as commonly known in North India is the powdered form of dried rhizomes obtained from Cucurma longa L. The active ingredients of the plant are curcuminoids and essential oils. The curcuminoids and essential oils obtained from the plant have therapeutic properties against a diverse range of ailments. Further, the alkaloids are used in dermatology, cosmetology as well as perfumery. These properties render this plant of high economic and medicinal value. Thus increased production and yield of the plant is highly required. The root endophytic fungus Piriformospora indica (Serendipita indica) is exploited for enhanced production. The fungus increases growth and yield of the plant along with augmenting the secondary metabolities.