Medicinal Plant Research 2024, Vol.14, No.2, 85-96 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/mpr 86 This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of aromatic medicinal plants in clinical applications. This involves a detailed analysis of their chemical composition, bioactive properties, and potential therapeutic benefits. Additionally, the study aims to standardize formulations to ensure consistency and safety in their use. By compiling and analyzing data from various sources, including databases like AromaDb, this study expects to provide a valuable resource for researchers, health professionals, and industry stakeholders interested in the development of safe and effective aromatic plant-based therapies. 2 Bioactive Compounds in Aromatic Medicinal Plants 2.1 Identification of key bioactive compounds Essential oils (EOs) are complex mixtures of volatile substances formed by the secondary metabolism of aromatic plants. These oils are known for their diverse pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, anticancer, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties (Oliveira et al., 2023). The primary constituents of EOs include monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, benzenoids, and phenylpropanoids. For instance, species from the Amaranthaceae family are rich in compounds such as α-terpinene, δ-3-carene, limonene, thymol, and carvacrol, which exhibit significant antibacterial, antiviral, and anticancer effects. Similarly, Origanum majorana L. essential oils have demonstrated remarkable antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities, supporting their traditional medicinal uses (Bouyahya et al., 2020a). Terpenoids and phenolic compounds are other critical bioactive constituents found in aromatic medicinal plants. These compounds are known for their therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antimicrobial effects. For example, Anethum sowa contains various terpenoids and phenolics that contribute to its antioxidant, antiviral, and antibacterial activities (Saleh-e-In and Choi, 2021). Additionally, the genus Adenosma is rich in phenolic acids, flavonoids, and terpenoids, which have shown potential in treating gastrointestinal disorders, hepatitis, and skin problems (Wang et al., 2021). 2.2 Methods of extraction and isolation Steam distillation is a conventional method used to extract essential oils from aromatic plants. This technique involves passing steam through plant material to vaporize the volatile compounds, which are then condensed and collected. The yield and chemical composition of the extracted oils can be influenced by factors such as the plant's physiological state and the distillation conditions (Oliveira et al., 2023). For instance, the yield of essential oils fromDeverraspecies was found to vary significantly based on the sample preparation and extraction process. Solvent extraction techniques, including the use of organic solvents and innovative non-thermal methods, are employed to isolate bioactive compounds from plants. These methods are particularly useful for extracting compounds with varying hydrophobic or lipophilic characteristics. Green extraction techniques, such as ultrasound-assisted and supercritical CO2 extraction, have been proposed to improve yield and quality while reducing energy consumption and solvent use (Giacometti et al., 2018). These methods are effective in isolating both essential oils and other bioactive compounds from Mediterranean herbs. 2.3 Chemical Profiling and Standardization Chromatographic techniques, such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), are essential for the chemical profiling and standardization of bioactive compounds in aromatic medicinal plants. These methods allow for the identification and quantification of various compounds, ensuring the consistency and quality of plant extracts. For example, GC-MS and HPLC have been used to identify terpenoids and phenolic acids in Origanum compactum, linking these compounds to the plant's antimicrobial and antioxidant activities (Bouyahya et al., 2020b). Spectroscopic techniques, including liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), are also employed for the detailed analysis of bioactive compounds. LC-MS provides a sensitive and selective method for the simultaneous determination of phenolic compounds in plant residues, enabling accurate quality control (Irakli et al., 2021). This technique has been used to identify and quantify phenolic acids, flavonoids, and phenolic diterpenes in solid residues from the essential oil industry, highlighting its utility in the standardization of plant
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