Phytochemical Toxicity and Antioxidant Activity in Medicinal Plants
Summary
Medicinal plants have long been valued for their bioactive phytochemicals, yet the dual nature of these compounds demands rigorous evaluation of both therapeutic potential and safety risks. Classes of secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, alkaloids and terpenoids can confer antioxidant benefits by scavenging reactive oxygen species and modulating redox-sensitive signalling pathways. At the same time, some phytochemicals exhibit cytotoxic or genotoxic effects at higher concentrations or under certain metabolic conditions. Modern research combines phytochemical profiling, in vitro assays and in vivo models to delineate dose-dependent toxicity thresholds, elucidate mechanisms of action and guide standardised extraction methods. Insights into structure–activity relationships have informed the optimisation of formulations that maximise free-radical neutralisation while minimising adverse cellular outcomes. This integrated approach underpins the development of plant-derived agents for applications ranging from anticancer adjuvants to antimicrobial adjuncts, thereby addressing global health priorities and advancing natural‐product drug discovery.
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Phytochemical Toxicity and Antioxidant Activity in Medicinal Plants publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in phytochemical toxicity and antioxidant activity in medicinal plants across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Phytochemical: A bioactive compound produced by plants, including flavonoids, alkaloids and terpenoids.
Antioxidant Activity: The ability of a substance to neutralise reactive oxygen species and inhibit oxidative damage.
Genotoxicity: The capacity of an agent to damage genetic information in cells, potentially causing mutations.
Cytotoxicity: The property of being toxic to cells, often assessed to determine therapeutic safety.
Biofilm: A structured community of microorganisms encased in a self-produced matrix and adherent to surfaces.
References
- Inhibitory effect of Newtonia extracts and myricetin-3-o-rhamnoside (myricitrin) on bacterial biofilm formation. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies (2020).
- In vitro activity evaluation of seven Brazilian Asteraceae against cancer cells and Leishmania amazonensis. South African Journal of Botany (2019).
- Phytochemical analysis, antioxidant potential and toxicity of crude ethanol extract and fractions of the species Senecio westermanii Dusén against Artemia salina. Revista Brasileira de Plantas Medicinais (2015).
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