Rahim Ullah
Department of agricultural chemistry and Biochemistry University of Agriculture Peshawar
*Corresponding author: rahim@aup.edu.pk
Aromatic plants, historically used in folk medicine and as food preservatives, are gaining renewed attention for their therapeutic potential. Originating predominantly from the Mediterranean region, these plants, including oregano, rosemary, sage, anise, and basil, contain a variety of biologically active compounds such as polyphenolics. These compounds exhibit a range of beneficial properties, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiparasitic, antiprotozoal, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory activities. The growing demand for natural, eco-friendly, and generally recognized as safe products has highlighted the potential of aromatic plants and their derivatives for advancing human and animal nutrition and health. This review synthesizes the current literature on the in vivo and in vitro applications of aromatic plants, emphasizing their bioactive compounds and their therapeutic applications. It explores recent advancements in extraction technologies, the characterization of bioactive compounds, and emerging trends in integrating these plants into modern healthcare practices. Despite their promise, considerations related to safety and toxicity are crucial for their effective use. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the therapeutic potential of aromatic plants and their future directions in research and application.