Phytochemical Analysis and Antioxidant Activity of Herbal Medicine: A Review

Herbal medicines have gained significant attention for their potential therapeutic benefits, driven by the presence of bioactive phytochemicals that contribute to various pharmacological activities. This review article aims to provide an overview of the phytochemical composition and antioxidant activity of herbal medicines. Phytochemicals, such as flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, and phenolic compounds, are commonly found in a wide range of medicinal plants, offering significant antioxidant properties. These natural compounds play a crucial role in scavenging free radicals, thereby mitigating oxidative stress, which is implicated in the development of various chronic diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders. A wide range of studies have focused on evaluating the antioxidant capacity of herbal medicines using methods such as DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and ORAC assays. The review also explores the influence of extraction methods, plant part selection, and solvent polarity on the yield and bioactivity of phytochemicals. Furthermore, the therapeutic potential of herbal antioxidants is discussed, highlighting their role in supporting health and preventing disease progression. This review also identifies the challenges in standardizing the antioxidant activity of herbal medicines and emphasizes the need for further research to better understand their mechanisms of action and efficacy.