Screening and validation of natural products for drug discovery: Key points and approaches

This article highlights the key points and approaches involved in the screening and validation of natural products for drug discovery. Screening assays play a vital role in evaluating the biological activities of natural product extracts or fractions, targeting specific diseases, pathways, or cellular processes of interest. In vitro studies provide further insights into the efficacy, safety, and mechanism of action of promising candidates, using isolated cells or cellular components. Cell-based assays offer a more realistic cellular environment to assess natural product effects on cell viability, proliferation, and specific functions. Animal models bridge the gap between in vitro and clinical evaluations, providing a comprehensive understanding of therapeutic effects, pharmacokinetics, and toxicity profiles. Pharmacokinetic studies examine the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of natural products, optimizing dosage regimens and predicting human efficacy. Safety evaluation encompasses toxicity studies to determine safe dosage ranges and identify potential risks. Promising candidates progress to clinical trials, where efficacy, safety, dosage, and interactions are assessed in human subjects. This comprehensive screening and validation process contributes to the development of effective and safe natural product-based drugs.