Research Article
Plant Extracts in Modern Medicine: Review of Prospects and Challenges
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 3, September 2026
Pages:
103-108
Received:
5 June 2026
Accepted:
17 June 2026
Published:
30 July 2026
Abstract: Plant extracts and their bioactive constituents have long served as important sources of therapeutic agents and continue to contribute significantly to modern drug discovery and development. Their vast chemical diversity, multi-target pharmacological activities, and widespread use in traditional medicine make them valuable candidates for addressing current healthcare challenges. However, despite their therapeutic potential, the translation of plant-based products into evidence-based medicines remains constrained by issues such as chemical variability, lack of standardization, inconsistent clinical evidence, safety concerns, herb-drug interactions, contamination, regulatory fragmentation, and sustainability challenges. This review aims to examine the current prospects and challenges associated with the development and utilization of plant extracts in modern therapeutics. A narrative review approach was employed, drawing on peer-reviewed review articles, methodological papers, World Health Organization (WHO) guidance documents, and recent primary studies published between 2014 and 2025. Literature was retrieved from major databases, including PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and WHO publications, using relevant keywords related to phytomedicine, standardization, metabolomics, network pharmacology, herbal clinical trials, and regulatory frameworks. The review highlights several emerging opportunities that could enhance the clinical and commercial value of plant extracts. At the same time, significant barriers persist, including variability in chemical composition, limited high-quality clinical evidence, safety and toxicity concerns, contamination and adulteration risks, fragmented regulatory requirements, and supply-chain sustainability issues. Plant extracts remain promising sources of future therapeutics, but their successful integration into modern medicine requires coordinated efforts in standardization, safety assessment, clinical validation, regulatory harmonization, and sustainable production. Advances in analytical and biotechnological tools provide practical pathways for overcoming existing limitations and accelerating the development of safe, effective, and scientifically validated plant-based medicines.
Abstract: Plant extracts and their bioactive constituents have long served as important sources of therapeutic agents and continue to contribute significantly to modern drug discovery and development. Their vast chemical diversity, multi-target pharmacological activities, and widespread use in traditional medicine make them valuable candidates for addressing...
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Research Article
Arachis hypogaea Oil Extract Enhances Male Reproductive Hormone Profiles and Sperm Parameters in Wistar Rats
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 3, September 2026
Pages:
109-116
Received:
1 July 2026
Accepted:
23 July 2026
Published:
22 August 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.jdmp.20261203.12
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Abstract: Plant-derived bioactive compounds have emerged as promising therapeutic agents for enhancing male reproductive health. Arachis hypogaea (groundnut), an extensively cultivated oilseed crop, possesses rich phytochemical constituents; however, its specific effects on male reproductive parameters remain incompletely characterised. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of Arachis hypogaea oil extract on reproductive function in male Wistar rats. Twenty male Wistar rats (180 - 200 g) were randomly assigned to four groups (n=5/group). Group 1 (control) received standard rat chow and water ad libitum, while Groups 2, 3, and 4 were administered A. hypogaea oil extract via daily oral gavage at doses of 150, 300, and 600 mg/kg, respectively, for 56 days. Serum reproductive hormones (follicle-stimulating hormone [FSH], luteinizing hormone [LH], and testosterone) were quantified using ELISA, while Sperm parameters (sperm count, motility, viability and morphology) were assessed using standard established protocols. Administration of A. hypogaea oil extract significantly elevated FSH and testosterone levels across all treatment groups compared to the control group (p<0.05). LH levels showed significant increases at 300 mg/kg (1.53 ± 0.02 mIU/mL) and 600 mg/kg (3.06 ± 0.01 mIU/mL) relative to controls (p<0.05). The 300 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg doses produced marked improvements in sperm viability, motility, and normal morphology, with sperm count more than doubling (580.00 ± 40.62 and 560.00 ± 53.40 M/mL, respectively) compared to the control, accompanied by significant reductions in dead sperm percentages (p<0.05). Evidence from the present study shows that Arachis hypogaea oil extract demonstrates dose-dependent enhancement of male reproductive function in Wistar rats, improving both hormonal profiles and sperm quality parameters. These findings support the therapeutic potential of A. hypogaea oil as a natural supplement for male reproductive health and warrant further investigation into its clinical applications and mechanistic pathways.
Abstract: Plant-derived bioactive compounds have emerged as promising therapeutic agents for enhancing male reproductive health. Arachis hypogaea (groundnut), an extensively cultivated oilseed crop, possesses rich phytochemical constituents; however, its specific effects on male reproductive parameters remain incompletely characterised. The present study aim...
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,
Abdulmumin Malam Usman*
