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Journal of Undergraduate Research

Keywords

secondary metabolites, endophytes of Cornus Sericea

College

Life Sciences

Department

Plant and Wildlife Sciences

Abstract

All civilizations have used plants and their byproducts to effectively grow and cultivate crops, as well as manage and treat many ailments. Even today, approximately 25% of prescribed medications are constituted by plants. Many of the active metabolites are produced in such small quantities that mass production by using the plant is unreasonable. However, the endophytes found within plants tend to produce the same metabolites. These fungi and bacteria commonly produce secondary metabolites possessing antibacterial, antifungal or other medicinal properties. By looking to historical medicinal plants, novel endophytes and metabolites have been discovered and integrated into agriculture and medicine. One such plant, Cornus Sericea, has been traditionally used by Native Americans for its relief from colds, fevers and rashes, as well as its analgesic properties. Despite these indicators, endophytes of C. Sericea have not been previously studied.

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