Unlocking nature’s secrets: a review on the pharmacokinetics of plant-based medicines and herbal remedies

Abstract

Herbal and plant-based medicines have been used for centuries for their therapeutic properties. However, understanding their pharmacokinetics is essential for optimising their efficacy, ensuring their safety and guiding appropriate dosing regimens. Herbal and plant-based medications can be ingested, inhaled, applied topically or injected. Factors such as solubility, formulation and interactions with gut enzymes and transporters influence their absorption characteristics. Distribution of these compounds involves their movement throughout the body, influenced by factors like blood flow, tissue permeability and plasma protein binding. Herbal and plant-based medications are metabolised in the liver by cytochrome P450 enzymes and conjugation routes. Metabolism can vary by genetics and gut microbiome. These compounds can be excreted by the kidneys, liver, faeces, lungs, sweat and saliva. This review aims to decode the pharmacokinetics of herbal and plant-based medicines by providing a comprehensive overview of their absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination processes.