INTEGRATION OF ADVANCED ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES IN PHYTOCHEMICAL STANDARDIZATION AND QUALITY CONTROL OF HERBAL MEDICINES

Abstract

The Global Resurgence Of Herbal Medicines Has Highlighted The Urgent Need For Robust Quality Control And Standardization To Ensure Their Safety, Efficacy, And Reproducibility. Traditional Analytical Methods, While Foundational, Often Fall Short In Addressing The Inherent Complexity And Variability Of Botanical Products. This Review Explores The Evolution Of Quality Assurance In Herbal Medicine, Emphasizing The Transformative Impact Of Advanced Analytical Techniques Such As HPLC, LC-MS/MS, NMR, FTIR, And Chemometric Analyses. These Modern Tools Enable Comprehensive Phytochemical Profiling, Precise Marker Compound Quantification, And Effective Detection Of Adulterants And Contaminants. Emerging Methodologies—Including Metabolomics, DNA Barcoding, Near-Infrared Spectroscopy, And Electronic Sensing Systems—Offer Rapid Authentication And Enhanced Traceability, Overcoming Many Limitations Of Conventional Approaches. The Integration Of Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain Technology, And Personalized Phytomedicine Further Promises To Revolutionize Quality Control And Regulatory Compliance. Despite Challenges Related To Cost, Technical Expertise, And Accessibility, The Adoption Of These Advanced Techniques Is Essential For Global Harmonization, Regulatory Acceptance, And Public Trust. Ultimately, Modern Analytical Strategies Are Indispensable For Unlocking The Full Therapeutic Potential Of Herbal Medicines In Contemporary Healthcare.