Main Article Content
Abstract
Herbal medicines have been an integral part of human healthcare since ancient times and continue to play a significant role in contemporary medical practices across the world. They are widely used in both developing and developed countries due to cultural acceptability, affordability, perceived safety, and accessibility. The growing global interest in herbal medicines has been driven by the limitations of conventional synthetic drugs, including adverse effects, high cost, and the emergence of drug resistance. Despite their extensive use, concerns regarding the safety, efficacy, quality, and standardization of herbal medicines remain major challenges for their wider acceptance in evidence-based medicine. Variability in plant sources, lack of standardized processing methods, contamination, adulteration, and insufficient clinical data further complicate their integration into modern healthcare systems. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of herbal medicines with a specific focus on their safety, efficacy, and the challenges associated with their development, regulation, and clinical use. The article discusses traditional and modern perspectives on herbal therapy, pharmacological efficacy, and safety concerns including toxicity and herb–drug interactions, quality control issues, regulatory frameworks, and future prospects. Emphasis is placed on the need for scientific validation, robust quality assurance, and harmonized regulatory policies to ensure the safe and effective use of herbal medicines. Strengthening research, standardization, and pharmacovigilance systems is essential for bridging the gap between traditional knowledge and modern pharmaceutical science.