PHARMACOGNOSY OF MEDICINAL PLANTS: PHYTOCHEMICAL PROFILING AND THERAPEUTIC APPLICATIONS

Medicinal plants remain a cornerstone of global healthcare systems,
contributing significantly to both traditional medicine and modern drug
discovery. According to the World Health Organization, nearly 80% of the
world’s population relies on plant-based medicines for primary healthcare
needs. More than 25% of modern pharmaceutical drugs are derived directly
or indirectly from plant sources, and approximately 50,000–70,000 plant
species are estimated to be used medicinally worldwide. Pharmacognosy,
the study of crude drugs obtained from natural sources, integrates
botanical, chemical, and pharmacological approaches to identify bioactive
compounds and validate therapeutic claims. This chapter presents a
comprehensive overview of pharmacognosy with emphasis on
phytochemical profiling techniques and their therapeutic applications.
Quantitative data on phytochemical classes, extraction efficiencies, and
bioactivity correlations are discussed. Advanced analytical tools such as
chromatography and spectroscopy have enabled precise characterization of
secondary metabolites, accelerating the development of plant-based
therapeutics. The chapter also highlights challenges, sustainability
concerns, and future prospects in medicinal plant research.
Keywords: Pharmacognosy, Medicinal Plants, Phytochemical Profiling,
Bioactive Compounds, Therapeutic Applications