PHYTOCHEMICALS: A NEW ARSENAL IN DRUG DISCOVERY

PHYTOCHEMICALS: A NEW ARSENAL IN DRUG DISCOVERY

01-01-2024 | MANAL HATEM AHMED, SAJA ISMAIL KARKUSH, SUMEIA ABBAS ALI, ALI ABDULMAWJOOD MOHAMMED
The article "PHYTOCHEMICALS: A NEW ARSENAL IN DRUG DISCOVERY" by Manal Hatem Ahmed et al. explores the potential of phytochemicals in drug discovery and their applications in treating various diseases. The authors highlight the historical use of traditional herbs for treating ailments such as stomach discomfort, toothache, and diabetes, and emphasize the importance of medicinal plants in modern healthcare. Phytochemicals, which are secondary metabolites found in plant parts, have therapeutic properties that can be useful against a wide range of diseases, including cancer and antimicrobial resistance. The review discusses the process of drug discovery, from the identification of plant sources to preclinical and clinical studies. It emphasizes the importance of using advanced analytical techniques, such as mass spectrometry and high-performance liquid chromatography, to identify and characterize phytochemicals. The article also addresses the challenges in drug development, such as the lack of standardization and the complexity of natural product structures, and suggests that a systems biology approach can help in understanding the complex mechanisms of action of phytochemicals. Several specific phytochemicals are highlighted, including curcumin, epigallocatechin 3-gallate (EGCG), and andrographolide, which have shown promise in cancer treatment and other therapeutic applications. The article concludes by discussing the future directions in phytochemical research, emphasizing the need for innovative methodologies and the integration of modern technologies to enhance the discovery and development of new drugs from natural sources.The article "PHYTOCHEMICALS: A NEW ARSENAL IN DRUG DISCOVERY" by Manal Hatem Ahmed et al. explores the potential of phytochemicals in drug discovery and their applications in treating various diseases. The authors highlight the historical use of traditional herbs for treating ailments such as stomach discomfort, toothache, and diabetes, and emphasize the importance of medicinal plants in modern healthcare. Phytochemicals, which are secondary metabolites found in plant parts, have therapeutic properties that can be useful against a wide range of diseases, including cancer and antimicrobial resistance. The review discusses the process of drug discovery, from the identification of plant sources to preclinical and clinical studies. It emphasizes the importance of using advanced analytical techniques, such as mass spectrometry and high-performance liquid chromatography, to identify and characterize phytochemicals. The article also addresses the challenges in drug development, such as the lack of standardization and the complexity of natural product structures, and suggests that a systems biology approach can help in understanding the complex mechanisms of action of phytochemicals. Several specific phytochemicals are highlighted, including curcumin, epigallocatechin 3-gallate (EGCG), and andrographolide, which have shown promise in cancer treatment and other therapeutic applications. The article concludes by discussing the future directions in phytochemical research, emphasizing the need for innovative methodologies and the integration of modern technologies to enhance the discovery and development of new drugs from natural sources.
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