MEDICINAL PLANTS AND THEIR POTENTIAL IN MODERN PHARMACEUTICALS

Abstract

Medicinal plants have long played a vital role in traditional healthcare systems across the globe. With the increasing demand for natural and effective therapeutic agents, modern pharmaceutical research is revisiting plant-based sources for novel drug development. These plants are rich in bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and glycosides, many of which have demonstrated significant pharmacological activities. Advancements in phytochemistry and biotechnology have enabled the isolation, characterization, and synthesis of these compounds for targeted pharmaceutical applications. Furthermore, the integration of ethnobotanical knowledge with modern scientific methods has accelerated the discovery of new leads for treating diseases like cancer, diabetes, and infections. This paper explores the pharmacological potential of medicinal plants, their role in drug discovery, and the challenges and opportunities in bridging traditional medicine with modern therapeutic practices.