Harnessing the medicinal potential of herbs through hormesis: Perspectives in global health and therapeutics

Abstract

Medicinal plants have long been valued for their therapeutic properties, with recent research highlighting hormesis as a critical mechanism underlying their effects. This biphasic dose-response phenomenon reveals that low doses of phytochemicals can activate cellular defense systems, enhance immune function, and improve metabolic resilience, while higher doses may lead to cytotoxic or anti-inflammatory responses. This review explores the hormetic characteristics of various plant-derived compounds, including curcumin, resveratrol, flavonoids, and alkaloids, in their efficacy against conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lung cancer, and fertility issues. These phytochemicals promote adaptive responses that mitigate oxidative stress, manage inflammation, and inhibit tumor progression. Although herbal medicine presents a multi-targeted and safer alternative to synthetic drugs, challenges such as bioavailability and dosage standardization, limit their clinical use. The integration of advanced technologies like nanotechnology, metabolomics, and precision medicine holds promise for enhancing their therapeutic potential. Future research should focus on optimizing dosages, elucidating molecular pathways, and bridging the gap between traditional and modern pharmacology, thus opening avenues for innovative plant-based treatments in disease prevention and management.