A review on role of vesicular arbuscular mycorrhiza (VAM) in medicinal and aromatic plants with special reference to Plectranthus barbatus Andrew

Abstract

Vesicular Arbuscular Mycorrhizal (VAM) fungi represent a vital symbiotic association between soil fungi and the roots of higher plants. This mutualism significantly enhances plant nutrient acquisition, particularly phosphorus, while improving tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses. Medicinal and aromatic plants benefit from VAM colonization through improved growth, nutrient efficiency, and enhanced biosynthesis of secondary metabolites responsible for therapeutic efficacy. Among these, Plectranthus barbatus (syn. Coleus forskohlii), a well-known medicinal species, shows remarkable response to VAM inoculation, resulted in increased biomass and forskolin yield. This review summarizes the mechanisms of VAM colonization, its influence on plant physiology and metabolite accumulation, and its potential applications in sustainable cultivation practices for medicinal and aromatic plants.