Exploring the impact of mycorrhizae on phytochemical and secondary metabolites in medicinal plants

AbstractMycorrhizal association is one of the most primitive and essential symbiotic associations found in terrestrial ecosystems known to play a crucial role in regulating growth and nutrient cycle in plants. It helped plants to survive in extreme conditions by influencing production of various important compounds required for survival. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) establish a reciprocal relationship with roots of terrestrial plants and helps host plants in uptake of water and nutrients by its extraradical hyphae to promote health, growth and productivity in return of photo- synthetically fixed organic carbon. Among all terrestrial plants, medicinal plants have diverse applications and are invaluable for combating various deadly diseases without any side effects. They are cultivated worldwide for its highly significant secondary metabolites. Association of AMF with medicinal plants are known for enhancing various active compounds with great pharmacological values. It escalates the production of sugars, chlorophyll, carotenoids, polyphenols, proteins, terpenoids and many more. AMF association with medicinal plants has improved resilience and secondary metabolite synthesis can possibly promote sustainable herbal agriculture to improve quantity and quality of active compounds. At present, day there is a need to focus on the potential role of AMF in a sustainable way to enhance secondary metabolites production in medicinal plants for the interest of society.