Herbal pharmacopeias: Bridging ancient traditions, nanotechnological innovation, and global regulatory cohesion for equitable healthcare

Abstract

This review examines the role of herbal pharmacopeias in integrating ancient healing traditions, nanotechnology-driven innovations, and global regulatory frameworks to advance equitable healthcare. It addresses critical challenges such as low bioavailability, inconsistent quality control, and fragmented regulations hindering the integration of herbal medicines into mainstream healthcare systems. By synthesizing ethnobotanical knowledge, nanotechnology applications, and regulatory science, this review evaluates advancements such as nanocarriers (e.g., liposomes, phytosomes) and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) supermolecules (e.g., berberine-rhein complexes). Regional case studies from China, Brazil, and Africa are analyzed to highlight contributions like genomic databases, biodiversity-driven innovations, and standardized monographs. Key findings demonstrate nanotechnology’s potential to enhance solubility, targeted delivery, and therapeutic efficacy of herbal compounds. Regional initiatives, such as China’s genomic resources and Africa’s pharmacopeial monographs, underscore diverse contributions. Persistent challenges include herb-drug interactions, variable raw material quality, and inadequate pharmacovigilance systems. Harmonized regulations (e.g., European Pharmacopeia, World Health Organization (WHO) initiatives) and AI-driven safety monitoring are identified as pivotal solutions. The integration of ethnobotanical wisdom, nanotechnology, and global regulatory cohesion is essential to unlock the full potential of herbal medicines. Interdisciplinary collaboration, ethical benefit-sharing frameworks (e.g., Nagoya Protocol), and robust pharmacovigilance are critical for achieving scalable, equitable healthcare solutions. Herbal pharmacopeias must evolve as interconnected systems, balancing tradition with innovation to address 21st-century health disparities.