The therapeutic potential of focusing on the gut microbiota to enhance medication effectiveness and customize care is examined in this review. A promising avenue for contemporary medicine is the modulation of this microbial environment, given the mounting data that links the microbiome to human health, illness development, and treatment response. The composition of the microbiota, its function in drug metabolism, and its association with a range of physiological and pathological conditions are all critically examined in this article. Probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation, modified microorganisms, and targeted delivery methods are among the well-known and recently developed microbiota-modulating techniques that are assessed. Although these methods have the potential to provide safer and more individualized treatments, issues such as standardization, regulatory uncertainty, and inter-individual variability still persist. It is anticipated that future developments in AI and multi-omics technology will deepen our knowledge and facilitate the application of microbiome-based precision medicine in clinical settings. Major Findings: The gut microbiota has a major impact on pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, toxicity, and drug efficacy. Numerous illnesses, such as neurological, immunological, metabolic, and cancer-related disorders, have been linked to dysbiosis. Drug responsiveness can be improved and microbial equilibrium restored through precise microbiome modification. Furthermore, interactions between drugs and microbiota are reciprocal; drugs can alter the composition of microbes, and microbial enzymes can modify the effects of drugs.
Cayratia trifolia (L.) Domin (Family: Vitaceae) is a perennial climber with a long history of use in traditional and folk medicine systems across Asia for treating a variety of ailments, including diabetes, ulcers, tumors, and inflammation. This review aims to provide a comprehensive and updated summary of the ethnobotanical, phytochemical, and pharmacological properties of C. trifolia to highlight its therapeutic potential and identify future research directions. A systematic review of scientific literature confirms that the plant is a rich source of bioactive secondary metabolites, most notably stilbene oligomers (e.g., pallidol, resveratrol, ε-viniferin) and flavonoids (e.g., quercetin, kaempferol). Preclinical in-vivo and in-vitro studies have validated many of its traditional uses, demonstrating potent antidiabetic (via α-glucosidase inhibition and enhanced glucose uptake), antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and antimicrobial activities. Furthermore, emerging research on its isolated stilbene compounds has revealed significant cytotoxic effects against various human cancer cell lines. Acute toxicity studies suggest a wide margin of safety. However, despite the extensive preclinical data, there is a complete lack of human clinical trials. Future research should focus on bioactivity-guided isolation of lead compounds, elucidating molecular mechanisms, and conducting clinical studies to translate its therapeutic potential into modern medicine.
This review highlights the phytochemical composition, pharmacological potential, and nutritional significance of Momordica dioica Roxb. Ex. Willd. (spine gourd), a dioecious climber belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family. The plant contains diverse bioactive constituents, including flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol), triterpenoids (ursolic and oleanolic acids), phenolics, tannins, saponins, and alkaloids, which contribute to its wide range of biological activities. Scientific studies report its antiulcer, antioxidant, antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer effects. Enzyme inhibition assays further support its antidiabetic action, while hepatoprotective potential is validated in CCl₄-induced liver injury models. Nutritionally, the fruit is rich in β-carotene, protein, fiber, calcium and iron, establishing it as a functional food with therapeutic relevance. The review also summarizes advances in processing technologies, such as ultrasound-assisted drying, and improvement approaches like mutation breeding, which enhance its nutraceutical quality and agricultural productivity. Overall, M. dioica emerges as an underutilized yet multifunctional plant with substantial health-promoting potential. Further bioassay-guided studies, clinical investigations, and standardization efforts are warranted to facilitate its application in modern nutraceutical and pharmaceutical formulations.
Autoimmune joint inflammation represents a long-lasting inflammatory autoimmune disorder distinguished by persistent inflammation in the joints, which may result in injury, discomfort and swelling within these areas. While conventional medicine has advanced, there is a growing curiosity about alternative and supplementary treatments, particularly herbal solutions. This review delves into the therapeutic capacity of diverse herbal species that have been traditionally employed to relieve the manifestations of autoimmune joint inflammation. It aims to provide a thorough evaluation of the efficacy of these plants and the potential mechanisms involved concerning autoimmune diseases like autoimmune joint inflammation, multisystem autoimmune lupus and cutaneous lupus erythematosus by examining their phytochemical characteristics and their effects on inflammatory processes.
Cassia fistula Linn, belonging to the family Leguminosae and subfamily Caesalpiniaceae, is a widely used medicinal plant commonly referred to as Indian Laburnum or the Yellow Shower tree due to its bright yellow, hanging flower clusters. Native to tropical Asia, it is also cultivated in countries such as South Africa, Mexico, Brazil, and parts of East Africa. Traditionally, various parts of the plant have been used in the treatment of abdominal and glandular tumors, liver disorders, and throat cancer. It is also known for its effectiveness in managing burns, epilepsy, constipation, diarrhea, dysuria, convulsions, and skin conditions including leprosy and syphilis. In Ayurvedic medicine, it is recognized for its carminative and laxative properties. Phytochemical analyses have revealed the presence of several bioactive compounds, particularly phenolics, tannins, flavonoids, and glycosides. These contribute to its wide spectrum of pharmacological effects such as antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antifertility, hepatoprotective, and antitumor activities. This review presents a detailed summary of the plant’s morphology, ethnomedicinal applications, phytochemical constituents, and therapeutic potential, highlighting its importance in traditional and modern medicine.
Background and Objectives: Honey is a natural product valued for its nutritional and therapeutic properties, particularly its antioxidant potential. Its quality varies with geographical origin, floral source, and environmental factors, while adulteration remains a challenge. This study aimed to explore and compare the antioxidant activity and physicochemical attributes of honey sourced from diverse geographical regions of India with that of a marketed branded honey, thereby assessing authenticity and quality. Methods: Natural honey samples were collected from five regions of India (Karnataka, Kerala, Himachal Pradesh, Odisha, and Madhya Pradesh) and authenticated through an approved laboratory. Physicochemical parameters (specific gravity, moisture, pH, free acidity, colour, optical density, pollen content, reducing sugars, sucrose, fructose–glucose ratio, hydroxymethylfurfural, viscosity, and electrical conductivity) were determined as per Indian and International Honey Commission standards. Adulteration tests, qualitative, and quantitative estimation of bioactive compounds (total phenolic content [TPC], total flavonoid content [TFC]) were carried out. Antioxidant potential was evaluated using DPPH radical scavenging assay (IC₅₀) and FRAP assay. Correlation and statistical analyses, including Pearson/Spearman correlation were applied. Results: Regional honeys displayed variability in physicochemical traits, bioactive content, and antioxidant activity. TPC showed strong positive correlations with both DPPH IC₅₀ and FRAP, while TFC exhibited a moderate relationship with FRAP. Physicochemical parameters such as colour and optical density were moderately linked with antioxidant indices, whereas hydroxymethylfurfural showed a negative association. Comparative evaluation revealed superior antioxidant activity in several natural honeys relative to the branded sample. Interpretation and Conclusion: Indian honeys demonstrated distinct antioxidant potential and quality profiles depending on their geographical origin. These findings validate their therapeutic value, support honey authentication, and highlight their relevance as functional foods and nutraceuticals.
Oral hygiene is one of the most important aspects of maintaining general health and wellbeing. Healthy teeth and gums not only allow proper mastication and digestion of food but also contribute to aesthetics and self-confidence. Over the years, the rising incidence of dental caries, periodontal diseases, and tooth discoloration has generated a strong demand for effective and safe oral care products. Conventional synthetic tooth-cleaning formulations, such as chemical-based whitening pastes and gels, are widely available. However, many of these products rely on abrasive or peroxide-based agents that may lead to side effects, including tooth sensitivity, enamel erosion, and irritation of the oral mucosa. This situation has prompted an increasing preference for herbal and natural oral care alternatives, which are considered safer, eco-friendly, and rich in bioactive compounds with multiple therapeutic benefits. Among the many medicinal plants employed in oral care, guava (Psidium guajava) leaves stand out due to their antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and astringent properties. Traditionally, guava leaves have been used in folk medicine for treating wounds, gastrointestinal disorders, infections, and skin diseases. In recent decades, modern pharmacological research has validated many of these traditional claims and highlighted the remarkable potential of guava leaf extracts in oral hygiene applications. Building on this knowledge, the present study focuses on the preparation and evaluation of a guava leaf-based gel intended for stain removal and oral health improvement.
Among the huge flowery diversity numerous shops are considered wild or weed with no provident value, hence, kindly neglected. Argemone mexicana L, is one similar hectically growing weed in nearly all the regions of Rajasthan. This condiment can thrive well without any special attention because of its combatant genomic capability to produce protective phytochemicals under stress conditions. These phytochemicals also have ample medicinal significance and other uses. In this review several noteworthy medicinal applications and some dangerous goods of this factory have been stressed. A. maxicana linn belongs to family (Papaveraceae). A. Maxicana have multiple uses like antimalarial, antiplasmodial, antibacterial, cytotoxic, anti-HIV, etc.
Lantana camara Linn., a member of the Verbenaceae family, is a widely distributed ornamental and medicinal plant found throughout tropical and subtropical regions. Originally native to the Americas, it has naturalized across India and other countries, earning recognition as both an invasive weed and a potent medicinal herb. The plant exhibits diverse pharmacological activities due to its rich phytochemical composition, which includes alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, terpenoids, and phenolic compounds. Traditionally, Lantana camara has been utilized to treat ailments such as cough, cold, fever, rheumatism, wounds, and skin infections. Various plant parts—leaves, roots, flowers, and bark—exhibit significant antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and antiulcer properties. The present review aims to formulate and evaluate a herbal syrup of Lantana camara for potential therapeutic use in respiratory diseases. The study focuses on extraction and phytochemical screening, formulation using suitable excipients, evaluation of syrup stability and activity, pharmacological assessment for antitussive effects, and toxicity analysis to ensure safety. Owing to its broad spectrum of biological activities and natural abundance, Lantana camara offers immense potential as a source of novel herbal formulations. This review consolidates existing literature on its taxonomy, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, and traditional uses to provide a scientific basis for future research and therapeutic applications of Lantana camara-based formulations.
Aim of the study: The Heracleum genus holds 94 identified compounds, all of which suggest essential biological functions. With this, this literature study aims to focus on a particular species of the Heracleum genus, “Tetrataenium nepalense”, which belongs to the family Umbelliferae. Commonly found in Sikkim and the Darjeeling district of India. The study aims to explore the available literature data on this plant, as ethnomedicinal evidence suggests that it possesses essential biological functions, including anti-inflammatory, carminative, wound-healing, antibacterial, anti-diarrheal, tonic, digestive, analgesic, and anticonvulsant properties. Material and Method: A Literature survey was conducted using various search databases, including SpringerLink, PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science. Papers from 1975 to the latest paper from 2025 were referred to for this review article. Result: The goal of this review was to organise up-to-date and thorough information on the pharmacology, phytochemistry, and ethnobotanical uses of Tetrataenium nepalense to create new avenues for future research, including potential applications as functional components in foods. Conclusion: From the review study of Tetrataenium nepalense it could be concluded that this plant Tetrataenium nepalense, is being traditionally used as medicinal plants by the local people of the Himalayan region, as its chemical constituents reveal that due to the presence of numerous compounds like Furanocoumarins, including bergapten, byakangelicol, phellopterin, xanthotoxin, isopimpinellin, imperatorin, primary phytochemicals like alkaloids, terpenoids, steroids, flavonoid, glycoside, saponins make it ideal for the its pharmacological activity.
Achyranthes aspera Linn., a widely distributed medicinal herb, has long been valued in traditional systems of medicine for its diverse therapeutic applications. Achyranthes aspera linn. Family (Amaranthaceae)It is also known as Aghada, Apamarg.This review summarizes current knowledge on the plant’s botanical characteristics, phytochemical constituents, and pharmacological activities. Numerous biological compounds including sterone, achyranthine, betaine, saponins, alkaloids, and various long-chain hydrocarbons have been isolated from different parts of the plant. These constituents contribute to a broad spectrum of reported pharmacological effects such as anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti athritic, anti-ointment parasitic, wound-healing, cardiovascular and anti-snake venom activities. Traditional uses include management of asthma, cough, digestive disorders, skin diseases, ophthalmic issues, and musculoskeletal pain. Despite its extensive ethnomedicinal relevance and promising experimental evidence, standardized clinical evaluation, toxicity profiling, and mechanistic studies remain limited. Achyranthes aspera represents a promising medicinal plant with significant therapeutic relevance and potential for drug development.
Senna (Cassia angustifolia Vahl), widely used as a natural laxative, is a significant crude drug in herbal and Ayurvedic pharmaceutics. Due to its high medicinal value and commercial demand, adulteration with morphologically similar leaves is common. Therefore, establishing reliable identification methods is essential for ensuring purity and therapeutic efficacy. The present study focuses on the detection and authentication of Senna leaves through macroscopic (morphological) and microscopic evaluations. Key morphological features such as size, shape, venation pattern, texture, apex, base, and odor were examined. Microscopic analysis included transverse section (T.S.) and powder microscopy, highlighting characteristic anatomical features such as palisade parenchyma, paracytic stomata, unicellular trichomes, vascular bundles, and calcium oxalate crystals. The combined evaluation revealed distinct diagnostic characters that differentiate genuine Senna leaves from common adulterants like Cassia auriculata and Cassia tora. The study concludes that integrated morphological and microscopical analysis provides a simple, rapid, and cost-effective method for detecting Senna leaf identity and preventing adulteration, thus ensuring quality control in herbal formulations.
A High-Performance Thin Layer chromatographic (HPTLC) method was developed for the qualitative and quantitative estimation of Quercetin and Gallic acid in the marketed poly herbal formulation. The method was developed using pre-coated HPTLC silica gel 60 F254 as stationary phase and Toluene: ethyl acetate: formic acid: methanol (3:6:1.6:0.4, v/v/v/v) as mobile phase. Detection and quantification were performed at 254nm. The Rf values of Quercetin and Gallic acid was found to be 0.85 and 0.75 respectively. Linearity was observed in the concentration range of 0.5 to 2.5µg/spot. The accuracy of the method was confirmed by conducting recovery studies. The average recoveries of both the standards were close to 100% which indicates the accurateness of the method. Quantification of Quercetin and Gallic acid was found to be achieved by HPTLC fingerprinting.
Oxidative stress plays a central role in the pathogenesis of numerous chronic diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular dysfunction, diabetes, and inflammation. This biological imbalance occurs when the generation of reactive oxygen species exceeds endogenous antioxidant defenses, ultimately leading to cellular injury and cytotoxicity. Medicinal plants are widely recognized as rich sources of antioxidant and cytotoxic agents, largely attributed to their bioactive phytochemicals such as phenolics and flavonoids. Despite India’s extensive plant biodiversity, many traditionally used species remain insufficiently explored for their phytochemical composition and cytotoxic potential. Centella asiatica L. (Gotu kola), an important medicinal herb in Ayurvedic, African, and Chinese systems of medicine, has been historically valued for its cognitive, dermatological, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties. However, limited information exists regarding the relationship between its phenolic and flavonoid content, antioxidant activity, and cytotoxic effects. The present study aimed to quantify the total phenolic and flavonoid content of C. asiatica leaf extracts (chloroform, ethanol, and aqueous), evaluate their antioxidant capacity using DPPH and hydrogen peroxide scavenging assays, and assess cytotoxicity via the brine shrimp lethality bioassay. The ethanolic extract contained the highest levels of flavonoids (77.01mg HE/g) and phenolics (28.05mg GAE/g), followed by the aqueous and chloroform extracts. Consistent with its higher phytochemical content, the ethanolic extract exhibited the strongest antioxidant properties, demonstrating an IC₅₀ of 51.66µg/mL in the DPPH assay and 4.88 µg/mL for hydrogen peroxide scavenging, approaching the activity of the standard ascorbic acid. Cytotoxic evaluation revealed a dose-dependent response, with the ethanolic extract again showing the greatest potency (LC₅₀ = 62.50µg/mL), followed by aqueous and chloroform extracts. Overall, the study establishes a clear correlation between phenolic/flavonoid concentration and both antioxidant and cytotoxic activities in C. asiatica leaves. These findings support the plant’s traditional medicinal applications and highlight its potential as a promising source of bioactive compounds for future fractionation, mechanistic investigations, and therapeutic development.
Herbal drug technology is a rapidly expanding interdisciplinary field that blends the knowledge of ancient herbal medicine with the accuracy of contemporary pharmaceutical science. Its primary aim is to guarantee the quality, effectiveness, and safety of plant-based medicinal formulations while promoting their global acceptance. Recent technological advancements have significantly transformed the processes involved in the development, standardization, and delivery of herbal drugs. Extraction methods such as supercritical fluid extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, and ultrasound-assisted extraction have enhanced the production and quality of bioactive compounds. Analytical techniques like HPTLC, HPLC, LC–MS, GC–MS, and DNA barcoding are currently essential for verifying authenticity, ensuring quality, and identifying adulteration in herbal raw materials. Phytochemical profiling and chromatographic fingerprinting enable comprehensive characterization of complex herbal matrices, supporting consistency and reproducibility in formulation. Additionally, Drug delivery systems like phytosomes, liposomes, nanoemulsions, and nanosuspensions have been created to improve the bioavailability, stability, and therapeutic impact of herbal components. The incorporation of metabolomics, computational modelling, and biotechnological approaches also facilitates rational drug design, identification of lead molecules, and optimization of pharmacological activity. Overall, these technological advancements aid in closing the enduring divide between conventional wisdom and evidence-based medicine. By providing standardized, scientifically validated herbal therapeutics, herbal drug technology contributes to the modernization and global recognition of natural product-based healthcare solutions.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal and metabolic disorders in women of reproductive age. It is mainly associated with insulin resistance, high androgen levels, and irregular ovulation. Standard treatments such as hormonal pills, anti-androgen medications, and insulin-sensitizing drugs can help manage symptoms but may cause side effects and do not always work for every patient. Because of this, there is growing interest in natural and integrative approaches for PCOS management, including Ayurvedic herbal therapies. This review highlights clinically studied Ayurvedic herbs, including cinnamon, fenugreek, spearmint, licorice, ashwagandha, and shatavari. Research suggests these herbs may help improve insulin sensitivity, lower androgen levels, support ovarian function, reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, and improve stress response through adaptogenic effects. Early clinical findings report benefits such as more regular menstrual cycles, improved ovulation, reduced symptoms like hirsutism, better blood sugar control, and enhanced overall well-being. Although results are promising, most available studies are small and short-term, and herbal dosages vary across trials. Therefore, while Ayurvedic herbs may serve as a complementary approach alongside lifestyle changes and medical care, larger and high-quality clinical studies are needed to confirm long-term safety and effectiveness.
Worldwide obesity has increased dramatically coupled with metabolic syndrome (MetS), which is defined by central obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and elevated fasting glucose. It dramatically raises the risk of cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis, and type 2 diabetes. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) states that any two abnormalities—elevated fasting glucose, high triglycerides, poor HDL cholesterol, or high blood pressure—must be present in addition to central obesity for a diagnosis. Conventional therapies including statins, thiazolidinediones, GLP-1 agonists, and DPP-4 inhibitors may have adverse effects and be difficult to get, despite the NCEP-ATP III recommendations' emphasis on regulating glucose and cholesterol levels. Herbal medicines are become more popular as supplementary treatments. Herbal treatments successfully reduced blood glucose, triglycerides, blood pressure, and waist circumference while raising HDL cholesterol, according to a comprehensive assessment of 12 randomized controlled studies. Their advantages come from controlling lipid metabolism, improving insulin sensitivity, and lowering inflammation. Herbal remedies provide a promising, cost-effective supplementary method, but lifestyle adjustment is still crucial. To verify long-term safety, larger clinical trials are required.
Cymbopogon citratus, often referred to as lemongrass, is a perennial crop that has considerable economic, medicinal, and industrial value. Cultivated widely in tropical and subtropical regions, it constitutes a source of essential oil that is rich in bioactive compounds such as citral, which show different types of biological activities like antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. Lemongrass has wide applications in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries, while its essential oil is considered an essential component in aromatherapy, personal care products, and natural preservatives. Its pharmacological properties have been confirmed through many in vitro and in vivo studies, but clinical trials are still limited. Despite its potential, it faces some challenges, including sustainability issues, research gaps, and environmental impacts of large-scale cultivation and oil extraction. Future research directions are to optimize production techniques, new applications such as functional foods and renewable energy, and sustainable practices for production as well as processing. Overall, this review provides insight into the cultivation, biological activities, industrial applications, pharmacological studies, and economic importance of Cymbopogon citratus, thus underpinning its global significance along with the scope for further advancement.
Acampe papillosa (Lindl.) Lindl., a robust epiphytic orchid of the family Orchidaceae, is acknowledged and has been utilized for generations for its ornamental, ecological, and therapeutic values. It has been employed by several societies for various therapeutic effects, e.g., rheumatism, fractures, gynecological, neuralgia, and infectious diseases, thereby establishing itself as an ethnopharmacologically important species. Contemporary research has confirmed A. papillosa to be a potential resource rich in phytochemicals (e.g., phenolics, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, alkaloids), while also revealing the presence of distinctive volatile compounds (e.g., methyldisulfide) that display pharmacological activities. Basic research (laboratory experiments) has confirmed multiple properties of A. papillosa, such as antioxidant, antibacterial/antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic, which align with its previously described traditional use. Nevertheless, A. papillosa has incurred threats from habitat loss, extraction, and climate change, which require immediate conservation planning. Restoration ecology, tissue culture, micropropagation, and phytochemical analysis will enhance conservation and drug discovery opportunities. This review discusses current knowledge on A. papillosa, including botanical traits, ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacology, while underscoring that additional studies executed with mechanistic approaches, extract standardization, and sustainable conservation approaches are needed to advance its therapeutic value.
The safety and beneficial properties of herbal cosmetics, particularly in lip balm formulations, have contributed to their growing popularity. Using the Ayurvedic Shata Dhauta Ghrita method, this study examines the formulation and evaluation of an herbal lip balm that includes Aloe vera gel, Moringa oil, Mulberry oil, and A2 cow ghee. Melting A2 cow ghee and beeswax, adding herbal oils and Aloe vera gel, and then cooling the mixture into containers had been the manner in which the lip balm was made. Organoleptic, pH, spreadability, melting point, irritancy, surface anomalies, and stability were amongst the tests that were performed to evaluate the product's quality. According to the results, every formulation had the ideal characteristics of a solid consistency, a pleasant odor, and a smooth texture. The lip balm was working well for lip care because it was non-irritating, stable in a variety of environments, and had good spreadability. Its moisturizing, anti-aging, and soothing effects are credited with the presence of advantageous ingredients like antioxidants, flavonoids, tannins, and vitamins, according to phytoconstituent analysis. According to the study's results the herbal lip balm offers a natural solution for lip protection and nourishment and is safe, stable, and effective. Large-scale production and additional clinical research are advised to confirm its long-term advantages.
