PHARMACOGNOSY AND PHARMACOLOGY: UNDERSTANDING THE MECHANISMS OF ACTION OF HERBAL MEDICINES
Keywords:
Herbal Medicines, Pharmacognosy, Pharmacology, Bioactive Compounds, Traditional Medicine, Drug Discovery, Quality Control, Safety, Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, Analytical Techniques, Sustainable SourcingAbstract
Herbal medicines have been utilized for centuries, offering therapeutic benefits derived from natural plant sources. This paper explores the pharmacognosy and pharmacology of herbal medicines, emphasizing their mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics. It highlights the historical perspectives, key figures, and evolution of herbal practices, alongside the scientific methods used to study and standardize medicinal plants. The paper also addresses challenges such as variability in plant composition, quality control issues, safety concerns, and regulatory hurdles. Future directions include advances in analytical techniques, integration with conventional medicine, potential for new drug discovery, and sustainable sourcing. By bridging traditional knowledge with modern science, this research aims to validate and optimize the use of herbal medicines in contemporary healthcare.
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