Soil-associated microorganisms: A natural source of biologically active compounds

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Natural Products Chemistry
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Soil-dwelling bacteria and fungi are rich sources of bioactive secondary metabolites.
• Natural products from microbial sources have historically led to significant therapeutic discoveries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recently identified natural products from soil-associated microbes.
• To highlight the structural diversity and bioactivities of these compounds.
• To underscore the importance of soil microbiota in drug discovery.

Main Methods:

• Literature search for natural products isolated from soil bacteria and fungi.
• Data compilation of compounds reported between 2018 and 2025.
• Analysis of structural novelty and reported bioactivities.

Main Results:

• 326 novel natural products were identified from soil-associated microbial taxa.
• Compounds exhibit a wide range of bioactivities, including antimicrobial, anticancer, antifungal, and antitumor effects.
• Enzyme-inhibitory properties were also frequently reported.

Conclusions:

• Soil microbiota continue to be a vital resource for discovering novel therapeutic agents.
• The identified metabolites possess significant pharmacological relevance.
• Further exploration of these compounds may lead to new drug development.