Phytopharmacology of herbal biomolecules

Abstract Plant-based therapy has been used and accepted globally for a plethora of human ailments. While the basis of acceptance of herbal drugs lies in its safety profile, recent research in the field of complicated diseases has led to the fact that herbal biomolecules are equally potent for the treatment of such diseases in both acute and chronic cases. Besides, stringent policies regulating the standardization, manufacture, and sale of herbal products have been formulated so that the use of such products can be ascertained with surety and safety. Knowledge about herb–drug interactions, possible adverse effects, and mechanism of drug action are other important considerations to be kept in mind. Factors such as pharmacovigilance, pharmacokinetic, and bioavailability parameters have to be sufficiently validated and updated for better patient compliance and acceptability. The field of phytopharmacology is rapidly emerging with increasing focus on the targeted herbal phytomolecules. This chapter deals with such important plant biomolecules that have been found to be effective against important diseases pertaining to cardiovascular, central nervous system, antimicrobial, antiinflammatory, oncology, and hepatic ailments.