Pharmacognostic and Phytochemical Investigations of Medicinal Plants: A Systematic Review

Medicinal plants have played a central role in India's traditional health care systems, and they have made a valuable contribution to pharmacognosy and phytochemistry. The present systematic review is intended to assess the pharmacognostic and phytochemical attributes of several medicinal plants that are utilized in Indian traditional medicine, such as Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani systems. The work emphasizes the morphological, microscopic, and physicochemical properties of these plants during the analysis of their bioactive compounds like alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, and glycosides. A thorough examination of literature available was done using databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar with emphasis on studies published over the last two decades. The review also touches upon the ethnobotanical importance, therapeutic potential, and standardization issues related to Indian medicinal plants. Research indicates that most of these plants have strong pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer effects. Nonetheless, more extensive research needs to be conducted to determine their clinical utility and safety. This investigation highlights the importance of interdisciplinary approaches that integrate traditional wisdom with contemporary scientific verification to tap the potential of Indian medicinal plants for drugs