Phytochemical Analysis and Pharmacokinetics of Plant Extracts
Summary
Phytochemical analysis and pharmacokinetics of plant extracts are pivotal for unlocking the therapeutic potential of botanical compounds. Phytochemical analysis encompasses a suite of chromatographic and spectrometric methods that isolate, identify and quantify secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, alkaloids and phenolics. These compounds are then evaluated in vitro and in vivo to ascertain their bioavailability, metabolic fate and systemic exposure. Pharmacokinetic studies employ parameters such as maximum plasma concentration (Cmax), time to reach Cmax (Tmax), half-life and area under the concentration–time curve (AUC) to characterise absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion profiles. Integrating these disciplines highlights the relationship between chemical structure, extraction methodology and biological performance. Recent advances in high-resolution mass spectrometry, microfluidic sampling and physiologically based pharmacokinetic modelling have accelerated discovery and standardisation of botanical preparations. This research has global implications, guiding the development of nutraceuticals, herbal medicines and functional foods while ensuring safety, efficacy and reproducibility.
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Phytochemical Analysis and Pharmacokinetics of Plant Extracts publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in phytochemical analysis and pharmacokinetics of plant extracts across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Phytochemical analysis: the qualitative and quantitative investigation of chemical compounds produced by plants.
Pharmacokinetics: the study of absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of compounds within a living organism.
Bioaccessibility: the fraction of a compound that is released from the plant matrix and becomes available for absorption.
High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC): an analytical technique for separating and quantifying components in a mixture based on their interactions with a stationary phase and a liquid mobile phase.
Area under the curve (AUC): a pharmacokinetic parameter representing the total exposure of a compound over time after administration.
Tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS): an advanced analytical method that fragments ions for detailed structural elucidation of compounds.
References
- Structures, Sources, Identification/Quantification Methods, Health Benefits, Bioaccessibility, and Products of Isorhamnetin Glycosides as Phytonutrients. Nutrients (2023).
- Unraveling the bioactive constituents of Typha elephantina: A comprehensive phytochemical analysis by tandem mass spectrometry. PLOS ONE (2024).
- Comparative Pharmacokinetics of three major bioactive components in rats after oral administration of Typhae Pollen-Trogopterus Feces drug pair before and after compatibility. DARU Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences (2016).
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