Abstract

Nature always has enough spirit and resilience to transform our limited vision. Herbal medicines include products prepared from natural herbs which are employed to treat several diseases. In India, about 80% of drugs are of herbal origin. Nowadays, people are much more aware of the various side effects of synthetic drugs, which have molded their interest in herbal products and herbal remedies. In history, various infectious diseases or pandemic conditions have been treated or controlled with herbal medicines. Many herbal plants like Emblica officinalis (Euphorbiaceae), Withania somnifera (Solanaceae), Swertia chirata (Gentianaceae), Asparagus racemosus (Liliaceae), and Vinca rosea/Catharanthus roseus (Apocynaceae) have been reported to be of high medicinal values and preferred in the development of many newer drugs. The active component from plant extract is isolated, standardized, and undergoes safety trials for validation. Novel drug development from herbs is the amalgamation of practices of native systems of medicine and quite a lot of therapeutic experience of earlier generations. It is also believed that most herbal contents are safe, cheap, and easily available. Herbal drugs are useful in various diseased and pathogenic conditions like tuberculosis, cancer, diabetes, AIDS, jaundice, skin diseases, etc. Many countries with ancient cultures like India, Egypt, and America still use various herbal-based medications. Research for future herbal product development is increasing worldwide. Therefore, taking into consideration future perceptions of herbal remedies, this review deals with the present status and future exploration in the development of herbal drugs as modern beneficial agents for treating various infectious diseases and related pharmacological problems.

Keywords: Herbal medicines, herbs, infectious diseases, medicinal plants, natural products, infections.