Pravara Rural Collage of Pharmacy, Loni, Ahilyanagar, Maharastra 413736
The development of herbal medicines has long been grounded in traditional healing systems. However, recent technological innovations are significantly transforming this field by enabling more standardized, efficient, and targeted formulations. Techniques such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), and eco-friendly methods have enhanced the precision and yield of active plant compounds. Nanotechnology, in particular, is being applied to boost the bioavailability and controlled release of herbal drugs. Emerging disciplines like pharmacogenomics, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning are facilitating predictive modeling for therapeutic outcomes and personalized herbal formulations. Biotechnology, including genetic engineering and plant cell culture, also supports sustainable production at scale. Despite these advancements, regulatory and safety challenges remain, underscoring the need for robust evaluation standards. This review highlights the role of advanced technologies in modernizing herbal medicine and explores their potential to integrate traditional remedies with scientific rigor for global health benefits.
Herbal medicine, utilizing plant-derived substances for therapeutic reasons, is one of the oldest healthcare methods, deeply embedded in the traditions of ancient societies like those in
China, India, Egypt, and Greece. These healing practices, such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, have traditionally employed herbs to tackle numerous health concerns, with wisdom passed down through generations. While its historical significance and widespread use are recognized, a considerable portion of traditional herbal medicine is based on empirical practices that have not been validated by modern scientific criteria. The integration of traditional knowledge and innovative technologies not only enhances the credibility of herbal medicine but also expands its possible role in worldwide healthcare. With the growing demand for natural remedies, this merger is essential for transforming herbal solutions into scientifically validated, accessible, and effective therapies for modern.
ADVANCED EXTRACTION TECHNIQUES:
Efficient and selective extraction of desired compounds from diverse sources. These techniques offer higher selectivity, improved yields, reduced solvent usage, and faster extraction times, catering to the growing demands of various industries, including pharmaceuticals, food, and environmental analysis.
Microwave-Assisted Extraction.
Microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) is a modern extraction technique that extraction (MAE) is a modern extraction technique that utilizes microwave energy to enhance the extraction process. It is widely used in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, food, and natural product extraction.12 In MAE, the sample material is mixed with a suitable solvent in an extraction vessel. Microwave energy is then applied, which rapidly heats the mixture, causing the solvent to boil and creating internal pressure within the sample. This pressure helps to rupture the cell walls and facilitate the extraction of target compounds.12 A detailed and technical illustration of the microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) process is shown in Figure 1.
The extraction vessel is a microwave-safe container that the extraction vessel is a microwave-safe container that holds the sample material and solvent mixture. It is typically made of glass or other suitable materials that can withstand microwave radiation. The sample material is usually finely ground or chopped to increase the surface area available for extraction. It is then mixed with a suitable solvent in the extraction vessel. The solvent choice depends on the nature of the target compounds and their solubility. The extraction vessel is placed under microwave irradiation, which generates and delivers microwave energy to the solution. The applicator ensures uniform and controlled heating of the entire extraction vessel. Microwave power levels can vary depending on the specific application and the characteristics of the sample. When the microwave energy is applied, the solvent absorbs the energy and rapidly heats up. The heat causes the solvent to boil and creates internal pressure within the sample, leading to the rupture of cell walls and the release of target compounds.13 To enhance mass transfer and ensure uniform heating, the sample may be stirred or mixed during the extraction process. This promotes efficient extraction by facilitating the contact between the solvent and the substrate molecules. Parameters such as microwave power, temperature, and extraction time may require optimization based on the sample characteristics and the desired compounds. Safety precautions must be followed when performing microwave assisted extraction, as microwave radiation can be hazardous
Green Extraction Techniques:
PHARMACOGENOMS AND HERBAL MEDICINE-
Role of Pharmacogenoms in herbal
Nanotechnology
Artificial Intelligence in identifying herbal compound -
AI can sift through massive datasets of traditional medicine, plant chemistry, and pharmacological data to pinpoint compounds with therapeutic potential. For example, AI can analyze traditional Chinese medicine practices to identify compounds with potential therapeutic benefits.
AI can predict how different herbal ingredients interact with each other, helping to develop more effective and synergistic formulations. This is achieved by analyzing the chemical structures of compounds and predicting their interactions.
AI can optimize extraction methods to improve the quality and consistency of herbal products. This can involve analyzing various extraction parameters to maximize the yield of bioactive compounds.
AI can aid in the development of new herbal formulations with improved efficacy and safety profiles. This includes optimizing the combination of different herbs and their dosages.
AI-powered data mining techniques can analyze large datasets of clinical trials, scientific literature, and patents to identify patterns and predict interactions between herbal compounds.
Biotechnology in Herbal Medicine
Biotechnology uses biological processes (like genetic engineering, fermentation, tissue culture) to improve, mass-produce, or modify herbal products. Some examples:
General Engineering in Herbal Medicine
Regulatory Challenges and Framework
Regulatory Challenges
Regulatory Framework Overview
CONCLUSION
The integration of emerging technologies into herbal drug development marks a transformative step toward modernizing traditional medicine. By improving standardization, enhancing safety and efficacy, and enabling scientific validation, technologies like AI, nanotechnology, genomics, and blockchain are bridging the gap between age-old wisdom and contemporary pharmaceutical standards. For herbal medicine to gain global recognition and trust, a balanced approach that combines innovation with respect for traditional knowledge is essential. Moving forward, collaboration between scientists, traditional practitioners, regulators, and technologists will be key to unlocking the full potential of herbal therapies in modern healthcare.
REFERENCES
Shubhum Mhaske, Rushikesh Kale, Kalyani Kale, Sarika Kadam, Emerging Technologies in Herbal Drug Development, Int. J. of Pharm. Sci., 2025, Vol 3, Issue 8, 302-308. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.16737498
10.5281/zenodo.16737498
