Pharmacological Evaluation of Bioactive Compounds from Plant Sources
Summary
Plant‐derived bioactive compounds have long provided leads for the development of new therapeutics, ranging from alkaloids and flavonoids to terpenoids and glycosides. Modern pharmacological evaluation integrates chemical profiling, computational modelling and biological assays to elucidate mechanisms of action, efficacy and safety. Analytical techniques such as liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy enable comprehensive metabolite identification, while in vitro cellular assays and in vivo animal models assess anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective and anticancer activities. Computational approaches, including molecular docking and pharmacokinetic modelling, predict target engagement and optimise drug‐likeness. Rigorous evaluation must address issues of standardisation, bioavailability and potential toxicity, and foster translation from bench to clinic. The global significance of this field lies in its potential to diversify the pharmacopeia, mitigate resistance to synthetic drugs and valorise traditional knowledge. Collaborative efforts between ethnobotany, pharmacology and medicinal chemistry are essential to advance plant‐derived candidates through the drug‐discovery pipeline and to develop accessible, affordable therapies.
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Pharmacological Evaluation of Bioactive Compounds from Plant Sources publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in pharmacological evaluation of bioactive compounds from plant sources across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Bioactive compound: A naturally occurring chemical that exerts a biological effect on living organisms or cells.
Pharmacological evaluation: Systematic assessment of a substance’s biological activity, mechanism of action and safety profile.
In vitro: Experimental studies conducted with cells or tissues in controlled laboratory conditions outside a living organism.
In vivo: Experimental studies performed within a living organism, typically animal models, to assess physiological responses.
Molecular docking: Computational technique that predicts the preferred orientation and binding affinity of a small molecule to a protein target.
Cytotoxicity: The quality of a substance being toxic to cells, often measured in assays for anticancer or safety screening.
References
- Identification of hydroxyquinazoline alkaloids from Justicia adhatoda L. leaves, a traditional natural remedy with NF-κB and AP-1-mediated anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidant activity. Journal of Ethnopharmacology (2024).
- Hepatoprotective effects of Juglans regia on carbon tetrachloride‐induced hepatotoxicity: In silico/in vivo approach. Food Science & Nutrition (2024).
- Hecogenin a Plant Derived Small Molecule as an Antagonist to BACE-1: A Potential Target for Neurodegenerative Disorders. Metabolites (2023).
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