Medicinal plants, or herbal medicines, have been integral to traditional medical practices since antiquity, serving as primary healthcare options in many cultures. They are widely utilized as complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) globally. Despite the widespread availability of Western medicine, herbal medicines retain their popularity due to cultural beliefs, accessibility, and their role in addressing the limitations of conventional treatments, particularly in managing aging-related diseases, immunological disorders, and providing palliative care for cancer. Given their increasing use, there is an urgent need for evidence-based research to validate their efficacy and safety. This necessitates comprehensive phytochemical studies to ensure quality and safety, biological assays and animal experiments to study bioactivities, and rigorous clinical studies to demonstrate clinical effectiveness and inform integration into contemporary medical practice.

This Research Topic seeks to address the efficacy and safety of medicinal plants in treating aging-related diseases through rigorous evidence-based research. It encompasses recent advances in several key areas:

• Phytochemical Properties: Ensuring the quality and safety of herbal medicines.

• Pharmacological and Biological Activities: Investigating bioactivities through preclinical and clinical studies.

• Herb-Drug Interactions: Understanding the potential risks and benefits when medicinal plants are used alongside conventional medications.

• Clinical Applications: Highlighting the therapeutic potential and safety of medicinal plants in healthcare.

By compiling and evaluating the latest scientific findings, this Research Topic aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how medicinal plants can be effectively and safely integrated into modern therapeutic practices. The ultimate goal is to bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and contemporary scientific research, thereby promoting the use of validated herbal medicines in the management of aging-related conditions.

Scope and Information for Authors (approx. 100-150 words)

We invite researchers to submit original research articles, reviews, and meta-analyses focusing on the following themes:

• Phytochemical Properties: Studies on the chemical composition and quality assurance of medicinal plants.

• Pharmacological and Biological Activities: Research on the bioactivities of medicinal plants and their derivatives in relation to aging, chronic diseases, immunomodulation, and cancer.

• Herb-Drug Interactions: Investigations into interactions between medicinal herbs and conventional drugs to ensure safe and effective usage.

• Clinical Applications: Evidence-based studies on the clinical efficacy and safety of medicinal plants in promoting wellness and managing diseases.

We welcome manuscripts offering detailed insights into both in vitro and in vivo studies, as well as clinical trials, aiming to enhance the understanding of medicinal plants' role in contemporary healthcare practices.

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Frontiers in Pharmacology

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