Research Article
Plant Extracts in Modern Medicine: Review of Prospects and Challenges
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 3, September 2026
Pages:
103-108
Received:
5 June 2026
Accepted:
17 June 2026
Published:
30 July 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.jdmp.20261203.11
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Abstract: Plant extracts and their bioactive constituents have long served as important sources of therapeutic agents and continue to contribute significantly to modern drug discovery and development. Their vast chemical diversity, multi-target pharmacological activities, and widespread use in traditional medicine make them valuable candidates for addressing current healthcare challenges. However, despite their therapeutic potential, the translation of plant-based products into evidence-based medicines remains constrained by issues such as chemical variability, lack of standardization, inconsistent clinical evidence, safety concerns, herb-drug interactions, contamination, regulatory fragmentation, and sustainability challenges. This review aims to examine the current prospects and challenges associated with the development and utilization of plant extracts in modern therapeutics. A narrative review approach was employed, drawing on peer-reviewed review articles, methodological papers, World Health Organization (WHO) guidance documents, and recent primary studies published between 2014 and 2025. Literature was retrieved from major databases, including PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and WHO publications, using relevant keywords related to phytomedicine, standardization, metabolomics, network pharmacology, herbal clinical trials, and regulatory frameworks. The review highlights several emerging opportunities that could enhance the clinical and commercial value of plant extracts. At the same time, significant barriers persist, including variability in chemical composition, limited high-quality clinical evidence, safety and toxicity concerns, contamination and adulteration risks, fragmented regulatory requirements, and supply-chain sustainability issues. Plant extracts remain promising sources of future therapeutics, but their successful integration into modern medicine requires coordinated efforts in standardization, safety assessment, clinical validation, regulatory harmonization, and sustainable production. Advances in analytical and biotechnological tools provide practical pathways for overcoming existing limitations and accelerating the development of safe, effective, and scientifically validated plant-based medicines.
Abstract: Plant extracts and their bioactive constituents have long served as important sources of therapeutic agents and continue to contribute significantly to modern drug discovery and development. Their vast chemical diversity, multi-target pharmacological activities, and widespread use in traditional medicine make them valuable candidates for addressing...
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Abdulmumin Malam Usman*
