Recent Developments in Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Activities of Herbal Extracts: A Review

Abstract

Herbal extracts provide a rich reservoir of bioactive molecules with notable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, driven by phytochemicals such as polyphenols, flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins, alkaloids, saponins, and polysaccharides that influence oxidative and inflammatory cascades through ROS neutralization, cytokine reduction, and modulation of NF-κB, COX, LOX, and MAPKs. Modern green extraction approaches ultrasound-assisted, microwave-assisted, and supercritical CO₂ techniques have enhanced recovery, purity, and stability of functional constituents. Analytical platforms including HPLC, LC-MS/MS, FTIR, and NMR now support reliable phytochemical profiling and standardization. Experimental evidence shows consistent declines in lipid peroxidation, inflammatory mediators, and oxidative injury across multiple in vitro and in vivo models, while nanoformulations such as nanoemulsions, nanoparticles, liposomes, and phytosomes markedly boost bioavailability and therapeutic impact. Clinical findings reveal improved antioxidant enzyme levels and balanced cytokine responses, though uncertainties remain regarding optimal dosing, duration, and herb–drug interactions. Integration of metabolomics, multi-omics tools, and AI-driven phytochemical screening is accelerating the discovery of novel compounds and advancing personalized herbal therapeutics. Rising nutraceutical demand underscores both the commercial and biomedical value of these extracts, positioning them as promising multifunctional agents for mitigating oxidative stress and inflammation and encouraging deeper scientific and clinical evaluation.