Recent Advances in Extraction and Analytical Techniques for Herbal Medicine Characterization

Herbal medicines, derived from various parts of plants such as leaves, roots, and flowers, have been a keystone of traditional healing practices for centuries. Their origins date back to ancient times, including the Indian mythological era of Hanuman, where the Ramayana —a revered Hindu epic—mentions the use of herbal remedies like Sanjeevani, a miraculous healing herb. Sanjeevani was valued for its healing properties and passed down through generations. In Islamic tradition, the Quran highlights the medicinal benefits of plants, such as olive oil, honey, and black seeds, among others. The Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) also recommended herbs like Ajwa dates (Phoenix dactylifera) for treating ailments. Christianity acknowledges herbal healing, with references like the "balm of Gilead." This shared recognition of the healing power of plants across faiths demonstrates a deep understanding of herbal medicine and the connection between body, mind, and spirit. Today, herbal medicine is increasingly seen as a credible alternative to modern pharmaceuticals due to its cost-effectiveness and reduced side effects. With growing interest in natural healthcare, verifying the safety and efficacy of herbal remedies is vital. This review examines various extraction techniques and analytical methods for extracting and analyzing herbal medicines. These include Soxhlet Extraction, Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE), Sonication, and Microwave-Assisted Extraction (MAE), along with Mass Spectrometry (MS), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy, and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). These techniques ensure product quality, safety, and consistency, unlocking the full potential of herbal medicines for a healthier, more sustainable future.

کلیدواژه ها:

Herbal medicine ، Extraction techniques ، Characterization ، Medicinal plant