A Review on the genus Ocimum: A Global Reservoir of Ethnomedicinal Value and Phytochemicals

This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of global research on the fungal endophytes inhabiting medicinally important Ocimum species. It catalogues the extensive taxonomic diversity of these symbiotic fungi, revealing significant variations influenced by geography, host species, and tissue type, with the Indian subcontinent identified as a major biodiversity hotspot. The functional versatility of these endophytes is systematically detailed, showcasing their roles as potent biocontrol agents, plant growth promoters, and enhancers of host resilience to abiotic stresses. From a pharmacological perspective, Ocimum endophytes are a proven reservoir of novel bioactive compounds, demonstrating significant antimicrobial, anticancer, and anti-virulence activities. They also produce valuable industrial enzymes and biopolymers with prebiotic potential. The evidence strongly supports the concept of the Ocimum-endophyte system as a synergistic holobiont, functioning as a collective "biochemical factory" that enhances the overall therapeutic profile of the host plant.