Abstract

PHARMACOKINETICS OF HERBAL DRUGS IN AYURVEDA: CHALLENGES AND ADVANCES

Dr. Alaka Thejus*, Dr. K. Madhusudana Rao, Dr. R. Yamini Diwakar, Dr. T. Leela Rani

ABSTRACT

Ayurveda, an ancient medicinal practice, utilizes herbal remedies extensively for disease prevention and treatment. However, understanding the pharmacokinetics of these herbal drugs poses considerable difficulties due to their intricate compositions, potential interactions, and the absence of standardized assessment methods. In contrast to synthetic drugs, which typically consist of a single active component with clearly defined pharmacokinetic profiles, herbal formulations include a variety of bioactive substances that may work together or counteract one another. This complexity influences their absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME), making predictions about their therapeutic effectiveness and safetychallenging. Key hurdles in herbal pharmacokinetics involve variability in formulations derived from plants, the lack of specific biomarkers, restricted bioavailability, and complicated metabolic pathways. Progress in analytical methodologies, such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), has enhanced the ability to detect and quantify the constituents of herbal drugs. Moreover, innovative technologies like nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems and physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modelling present promising approaches to improve bioavailability and refine dosing strategies. This review presents a thorough examination of the essential pharmacokinetic characteristics of herbal drugs, the associated evaluation challenges, and recent scientific progress that enhances our understanding of their pharmacokinetic behaviour. Additionally, it investigates potential future approaches for integrating Ayurvedic pharmacokinetics with contemporary pharmaceutical methods to improve the effectiveness and safety of herbal formulations. Tackling these challenges through rigorous scientific validation and establishing regulatory frameworks is essential for the worldwide acceptance and standardization of Ayurvedic herbal medicines.

Keywords: Pharmacokinetics, Herbal drugs, Bioavailability, Nanotechnology In Ayurveda, Analytical techniques, Standardization.