Phytochemical Pharmacology of Natural Compounds
Summary
Phytochemical pharmacology investigates the bioactive molecules produced by plants and their interaction with biological systems. Natural compounds such as flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids and polyphenols exhibit diverse pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antimicrobial and neuroprotective effects. These activities arise through modulation of signalling pathways, enzyme inhibition or receptor binding, with many compounds acting on kinases, nuclear receptors or ion channels. Advances in analytical techniques, in silico modelling and high‐throughput screening have elucidated absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME) profiles, revealing key roles for gut microbiota and hepatic cytochrome P450 enzymes in shaping bioavailability and metabolite activity. Challenges remain in overcoming poor solubility, rapid metabolism and potential toxicity; contemporary strategies employ novel delivery systems, structural modification and prodrug design to enhance therapeutic indices. Globally, the systematic exploration of traditional botanical remedies alongside modern phytochemical discovery holds promise for drug development, fostering an integrative approach that spans ethnopharmacology to precision medicine.
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Phytochemical Pharmacology of Natural Compounds publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in phytochemical pharmacology of natural compounds across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Phytochemical: A bioactive compound produced by plants, often responsible for defensive or signalling properties.
Bioavailability: The proportion of an administered substance that reaches the systemic circulation and can exert an effect.
Cytochrome P450: A family of liver enzymes that catalyse the oxidation of organic substances, crucial for drug metabolism.
Isoflavone: A class of flavonoids characterised by a 3-phenylchromen-4-one backbone, with noted estrogenic and antioxidant activities.
Pharmacokinetics: The study of how a compound is absorbed, distributed, metabolised and excreted in a living organism.
References
- Typical and atypical metabolic characteristics of three iridaceae isoflavone components: in vitro and in silico studies. Frontiers in Pharmacology (2025).
- Tectorigenin: A Review of Its Sources, Pharmacology, Toxicity, and Pharmacokinetics. Molecules (2023).
- Plants in Anticancer Drug Discovery: From Molecular Mechanism to Chemoprevention. BioMed Research International (2022).
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