Endophytic Fungi, A Novel Source in the Treatment of Oral Infections

Living organisms in nature are in constant relationship with each other. The high diversity of endophytic fungi that has been present in varied host plants contributes to the appeal of endophytic fungi for ecological studies. Bioactive secondary metabolites from endophytes represent a chemical reservoir for antibiotic, antioxidant, immune modulating, anticancer and anti-parasitic compounds. Endophytic fungal sources have proved to be promising sources of various oral infections. This chapter explores the diversity of endophytic fungi from various medicinal plants and their activity against two major oral pathogens Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans.