Kuldeep Singh: Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, GLA University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Jeetendra Kumar Gupta: Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, GLA University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Dilip Kumar Chanchal: Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, SR Group of Institutions, Jhansi, India.
Manoj Gangadhar Shinde: K.K. Wagh College of Pharmacy, Nashik, Maharashtra, India.
Shivendra Kumar: Department of Pharmacology, Rajiv Academy for Pharmacy, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Divya Jain: Department of Microbiology, School of Applied and Life Sciences, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India. divyajain31011996@gmail.com.
Zainab M Almarhoon: Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, P. O. Box 2455, 11451, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Asma M Alshahrani: Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Shaqra University, Dawadimi, Saudi Arabia.
Daniela Calina: Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349, Craiova, Romania. calinadaniela@gmail.com.
Javad Sharifi-Rad: Universidad Espíritu Santo, Samborondón, 092301, Ecuador. javad.sharifirad@gmail.com.
Anjali Tripathi: Department of Biotechnology, Sharda School of Engineering and Technology, Sharda University, Greater Noida, India.
Natural products have been pivotal in drug discovery, offering a wealth of bioactive compounds that significantly contribute to therapeutic developments. Despite the rise of synthetic chemistry, natural products continue to play a crucial role due to their unique chemical structures and diverse biological activities. This study reviews and evaluates the potential of natural products in drug discovery and development, emphasizing the integration of traditional knowledge with modern drug discovery methodologies and addressing the associated challenges. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed/MedLine, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library, covering publications from 2000 to 2023. Inclusion criteria focused on studies related to natural products, bioactive compounds, medicinal plants, phytochemistry, and AI applications in drug discovery. Data were categorized into source, extraction methods, bioactivity assays, and technological advances. The current review underscores the historical and ongoing importance of natural products in drug discovery. Technological advancements in chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques have improved the isolation and structural elucidation of bioactive compounds. AI and machine learning have streamlined the identification and optimization of natural product leads. Challenges such as biodiversity sustainability and development complexities are discussed, alongside innovative approaches like biosynthetic engineering and metagenomics. Natural products remain a vital source of novel therapeutic agents, providing unique chemical diversity and specific biological activities. Integrating traditional knowledge with modern scientific methods is essential for maximizing the potential of natural products in drug discovery. Despite existing challenges, ongoing research and technological advancements are expected to enhance the efficiency and success of natural product-based drug development.
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