Medicinal Plant Research 2024, Vol.14, No.1, 11-30 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/mpr 11 Research Report Open Access Pharmacological Effects of Aromatic Medicinal Plants: Comprehensive Analysis of Active Ingredients and Mechanisms of Action Xiangjun Dong College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China Corresponding email: dong-xiangjun@qq.com Medicinal Plant Research, 2024, Vol.14, No.1 doi: 10.5376/mpr.2024.14.0002 Received: 01 Jan., 2024 Accepted: 03 Feb., 2024 Published: 11 Feb., 2024 Copyright © 2024Dong, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Dong X.J., 2024, Pharmacological effects of aromatic medicinal plants: comprehensive analysis of active ingredients and mechanisms of action, Medicinal Plant Research, 14(1): 11-30 (doi: 10.5376/mpr.2024.14.0002) Abstract This study aims to comprehensively evaluate the pharmacological effects of aromatic medicinal plants, synthesize current knowledge on their therapeutic potential, and identify directions for future research. The study identifies essential oils, alkaloids, and flavonoids as key active ingredients in aromatic medicinal plants, responsible for a range of pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, and antioxidant effects. It was found that extracts from these plants exhibit strong antiproliferative effects against various types of cancer and have the ability to modulate critical biological pathways such as NF-κB and MAPK. Additionally, the study emphasizes the need for more detailed pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic research on these plants and underscores their potential as complementary or alternative treatments in modern medicine. Due to their diverse and potent active ingredients, aromatic medicinal plants hold significant potential for medical and therapeutic applications. Ongoing research and collaboration among scientists, healthcare providers, and policymakers are essential to fully harness the benefits of these natural resources. Combining traditional knowledge with modern scientific research can unlock new therapeutic potentials and contribute to more holistic and sustainable medical practices. Keywords Aromatic medicinal plants; Pharmacological effects; Active ingredients; Anti-inflammatory; Antimicrobial; Therapeutic potential 1 Introduction Aromatic medicinal plants, often referred to as herbs and spices, have been utilized since antiquity for their unique flavors and therapeutic properties. These plants are characterized by their ability to produce essential oils and other volatile compounds that contribute to their distinctive aromas and pharmacological activities. Common examples include Mentha haplocalyx, Nardostachys jatamansi, Syzygium aromaticum, Angelica dahurica, and many others, each with unique properties and applications (Fang et al., 2020; Dong et al., 2021). They are widely used in traditional medicine systems across various cultures for treating a range of ailments, from minor infections to chronic diseases (Kieliszek et al., 2020; Spréa et al., 2020). The essential oils extracted from these plants are employed in numerous industries, including cosmetics, food preservation, and pharmaceuticals, due to their antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties (Fitsiou et al., 2019; Batiha et al., 2020). The historical and cultural significance of aromatic medicinal plants is profound, with many traditional medicine systems, such as Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and African ethnomedicine, relying heavily on these plants for their healing properties (El-Shemy et al., 2017; Kaurinović and Vaštag, 2019; Kaurinović et al., 2021). In modern times, there is a growing interest in pharmacological research to scientifically validate the therapeutic claims associated with these plants. Genomic studies play a crucial role in this context by identifying the specific bioactive compounds and elucidating their mechanisms of action. This not only helps in understanding the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of these compounds but also aids in the discovery of new drugs and therapeutic agents (Fierascu et al., 2021). The primary objective of this study is to comprehensively evaluate the pharmacological effects of aromatic medicinal plants, with a focus on their active ingredients and mechanisms of action. By identifying and
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