2025, Vol. 13, Issue 4, Part B

author(s)
Dhiman Nandini, Shyam Radhay and Dua Chandan

abstract
For centuries, medicinal plants have played a pivotal role in healthcare, offering natural solutions to a variety of ailments. The primary bioactive constituents of these plants, including tannins, alkaloids, saponins, and flavonoids, vary across species and contribute to their therapeutic potential. Historically, the medicinal value of these plants was determined based on observable features such as color, shape, texture, and taste. However, these methods often lacked precision, leading to inconsistencies in efficacy and safety. With the advancement of phytochemistry and analytical techniques, the evaluation of medicinal plants has evolved significantly, prioritizing the identification and quantification of bioactive compounds as essential indicators of quality. The introduction of modern extraction techniques and analytical tests-such as Million’s, Fehling’s, Shinoda’s, and Liebermann’s-has facilitated accurate phytochemical profiling, ensuring standardization, potency, and reliability. These advancements have enhanced the credibility of plant-based medicines, fostering their incorporation into contemporary healthcare and regulatory systems. Nevertheless, challenges persist, including variations in phytochemical composition due to environmental factors, the complexity of plant extracts, and the need for global regulatory uniformity. This literature review traces the transformation of medicinal plant evaluation from traditional morphological observations to advanced phytochemical analyses, highlighting its implications for therapeutic applications, regulations, and future research directions in herbal medicine.