Rethinking the basic action modes of herbal medicine and pondering classical standardization

Over the past two decades, the secondary metabolite platform has determined the scientific direction of herbal medicines, while plant sources have been assumed to be the object of lead discoveries through bioassay-guided fractionation efforts. Nonetheless, the majority of purification programs have resulted in fractions and pure compounds with much lower efficacy than their parent extracts. It is then assumed that co-working action modes among chemical constituents occur in the herbal preparations. Primary metabolites (polysaccharides, peptides, and fatty acids) and mineral groups, on the other hand, have been neglected in the herbal effect contributions. This review aims to understand the interplay of secondary metabolites in herbal preparations, particularly how they interact with primary metabolites and mineral groups. Thus, by adhering to classical methods, it is possible to address certain aspects that modern standardization lacks, thereby facilitating a more comprehensive approach to these issues.