New applications of microbial products

Microbial secondary metabolites are now being used for applications other than as antibacterial, antifungal, and antitumor agents. These applications include use against parasites (coccidia, helminths) and insects as well as for animal and plant growth stimulation, immunosuppression, uterocontraction, and other pharmacological activities. Further applications are possible in various areas of pharmacology and agriculture, a development catalyzed by the use of simple enzyme assays for screening prior to testing in intact animals or in the field.