Chemical and Biological Screening Approaches to Phytopharmaceuticals

Abstract

Abstract:The global demand for phytopharmaceutical products is on the upward trend and will probably continue to rise in the next few decades. This demand is fuelled by the growing acceptability, availability and affordability and the growing scientific evidence of efficacy. However, while great progress is being made in research and development of these products in the developed world, very little progress has been made in research, development and documentation of possible leads/products in developing countries of Africa. The challenges range from dearth of capacity to develop implement appropriate research protocols and tools. This article is an attempt toward providing a guide to the chemical and biologiocal screening approaches in the research and development of phytopharmaceuticals. Approaches towards achieving quality products that meets basic regulatory requirements are discussed.

Optimized and Scalable Green Extraction of Pristimerin, an Anticancerigen from Mortonia greggii, by Ethanol–Phosphate Aqueous Two-Phase Systems

“…Phytopharmaceutical products represent about one-third of the top-selling drugs in the world, 1 while the global herbal supplement and remedy market is currently estimated at US $104.6 billion and is expected to reach a size of US$166.2 billion by 2027 according to a recent report by Global Industry Analysts. 2 In this context, modern research in drug discovery related to herbal products requires standardized practices that ensure technical and functional reproducibility and sustainable exploitation of these resources while meeting worldwide demands.…”

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“…However, there is a growing interest in development of natural medicines from plant sources in form of herbal medicines or phytomedicines. Approaches to this development process also employs scientific framework akin to development of orthodox medicine which are usually purified or synthesized biomolecules [7,8]. The interplay of chemicals and biological activity to which all drugs owes their status and identity, leads to the inevitability of chemical and biological processes in determining the safety, efficacy and quality of any drug product [7].…”

“…Approaches to this development process also employs scientific framework akin to development of orthodox medicine which are usually purified or synthesized biomolecules [7,8]. The interplay of chemicals and biological activity to which all drugs owes their status and identity, leads to the inevitability of chemical and biological processes in determining the safety, efficacy and quality of any drug product [7]. Similar technologies involved in bioactivities discovery, safety and efficacy prediction and studies are also urgently needed.…”