Abstract:
Lessertia frutescens is a multipurpose medicinal plant indigenous to South Africa. The
curative ability of the medicinal plant is attributed to its rich phytochemical composition, including
amino acids, triterpenoids, and flavonoids. A literature review of some of the phytochemical
compounds, particularly amino acids, in L. frutescens shows a steady decrease in concentration over
the years. The reduction of the phytochemical compounds and diminishing biological activities
may be attributed to drought and salt stress, which South Africa has been grappling with over the
years. Canavanine, a phytochemical which is associated with the anticancer activity of L. frutescens,
reduced slightly when the plant was subjected to salt stress. Like other legumes, L. frutescens forms
a symbiotic relationship with plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria, which facilitate plant growth
and development. Studies employing commercial plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria to enhance
growth and biological activities in L. frutescens have been successfully carried out. Furthermore,
alleviation of drought and salt stress in medicinal plants through inoculation with plant growthpromoting-
rhizobacteria is well documented and effective. Therefore, this review seeks to highlight
the potential of plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria to alleviate the effect of salt and drought
in Lessertia frutescens.
