Herbal Pharmacotherapy – A System Wise Review of Medicinal Plant Acting On Human Body System

Received Date: August 29, 2025 Accepted Date: October 14, 2025 Published Date: October 21, 2025

doi:10.17303/jhmp.2025.4.103

Citation: Mr. Shivam S Kale, Ms. Vaishnavi G, Narawade (2025) Herbal Pharmacotherapy – A System - Wise Review of Medicinal Plant Acting On Human Body System. J Med Plant Herbs 4: 1- 15

ABSTRACT
FULL TEXT
References
TABLES & FIGURES

Herbal pharmacotherapy, a cornerstone of traditional medicine systems, utilizes plant-based compounds for the prevention and treatment of various diseases. With increasing global interest in alternative and complementary therapies, a systematic understanding of medicinal plants according to their actions on specific human body systems is essential. This review presents a system-wise classification of key medicinal plants, highlighting their pharmacological effects, therapeutic applications, and mechanisms of action.

The human body systems covered include the nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary, endocrine, immune, musculoskeletal, and reproductive systems etc. For each system .The review also emphasizes the scientific validation of traditional knowledge through phytochemical, pharmacological, and clinical research. Integrating herbal pharmacotherapy with modern healthcare requires evidence-based approaches, ensuring safety, efficacy, and quality control. This system-wise approach provides a structured framework for students, researchers, and practitioners to explore plant-based interventions for human health and disease

Keywords: Herbal pharmacotherapy; Medicinal plants; System wise classification; MOA; Human body systems

Herbal pharmacotherapy, the use of plant-based substances for therapeutic purposes, has been a cornerstone of traditional medicine for centuries and continues to play a vital role in global healthcare modern healthcare. With the increasing interest in natural and holistic approaches to treatment, medicinal plants are being extensively studied for their pharmacological properties, safety profiles, and therapeutic efficacy. These botanicals often contain a complex array of bioactive compounds that can exert significant physiological effects on various human body systems, including the nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, endocrine, immune, musculoskeletal, and urinary systems

A system-wise review of medicinal plants provides a structured understanding of how specific herbs interact with different organ systems, offering insights into their mechanisms of action, clinical relevance, and potential as complementary or alternative therapies. This approach also highlights the therapeutic versatility of many plants and supports the rational integration of herbal remedies into conventional medical practice. Moreover, it underscores the need for rigorous scientific validation to ensure the safe and effective use of herbal pharmacotherapy in managing both acute and chronic conditions.

System Wise Classification

Nervous System

Cardiovascular system

Digestive system

Respiratory system

Endocrine system

Urinary system

Immune system

Musculoskeletal system

Reproductive system

Integumentory system

Some Important Herbal Plants Acting on Human Body System

Nervous System

Controls and coordinate body function made up of the Brain, Spinal cord and Nerve

2 Types – i) CNS – Central Nervous System

ii) PNS – Peripheral Nervous System

Function- Sensory input, Integration, Motor output.

Cardiovascular System

A body system consisting of heart, blood,blood vessels responsible for circulating blood to delivery oxygen and nutrients and remove waste

Function- transport oxygen, nutrients, hormones, remove waste, maintain BP.

MOA- Heart pumps blood.

Digestive System

The digestive system is a group of organs that work together to break down food, absorb nutrients, and eliminate waste from the body.

Function: 1. Breaks down food, absorbs nutrients, and removes waste.

2. Main Organs: Mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, anus.

3. Accessory Organs: Liver, pancreas, gallbladder.

MOA- Ingestion: Food intake

- Digestion: Breakdown of food (mechanical and enzymatic)

- Absorption: Nutrients absorbed into bloodstream

- Elimination: Waste removal

Respiratory System

Respiratory system is the system in the body that helps in breathing by taking in oxygen and removing carbon dioxide.

Function: Responsible for the exchange of gases – oxygen (O₂) in and carbon dioxide (CO₂) out.

MOA- Gas exchange: Oxygen in, carbon dioxide out, Maintains oxygenation and removes CO2.

Endocrine System

Endocrine system is a system of glands that produce hormones to regulate body functions like growth, metabolism, and mood.

Function -Regulates growth, Controls metabolism, Maintains homeostasis

MOA - Glands produce hormones; Hormones regulate bodily functions (e.g., growth, metabolism, reproduction)

Urinary System

Urinary system is the body system that removes waste and excess water by producing and eliminating urine.

Function- Removes waste from blood, Regulates water balance in the body.

MOA- Produces urine, Regulates electrolyte and water balance

Immune System

Immune system is the body’s defense system that protects against infections and harmful substances.

Function - Regulates body temperature, Prevents water loss, Senses touch, pain, and temperature

Parts of immune system – White blood cells (leukocytes), Lymph nodes, Spleen, Thymus gland, Bone marrow, Tonsils, Lymphatic vessels

MOA - Recognizes pathogens (bacteria, viruses, etc.), Activates immune cells (T-cells, B-cells, etc.)

Musculoskeletal System

Musculoskeletal system is the body system made up of bones and muscles that supports movement and protects organs.

Function- Allows movement, protects internal organs

MOA - Bones provide structure and support, Joints allow for movement and flexibility

Reproductive System

Reproductive system is the system responsible for producing offspring and ensuring the continuation of species.

Function- Supports fertilization, Nurtures and develops offspring, Produces sex hormones

MOA- Hypothalamus releases GnRH → stimulates pituitary. Testosterone → responsible for secondary sexual characteristics and sperm maturation.

Hypothalamus releases GnRH → stimulates pituitary. Ovary releases estrogen & progesterone.

Integumentary System

Integumentary system is the body’s outer protective layer, including skin, hair, and nails.

Function- Regulates body temperature, Prevents water loss, Senses touch, pain, and temperature

MOA - Provides sensation (touch, feel)

- Aids in vitamin D production

General Mechanisms of Action of Herbal Drugs:

1. Receptor Binding Modulation: Certain plant constituents mimic or inhibit neurotransmitters or hormones by binding to their receptors. Example: Valerian binds to GABA-A receptors → sedative effect.

2. Enzyme Inhibition or Activation Herbal compounds can inhibit or activate enzymes, influencing metabolic pathways. Example: Garlic inhibits HMG-CoA reeducates, reducing cholesterol synthesis.

3. Antioxidant Activity: Many herbs are rich in flavonoids, polyphenols, and alkaloids which scavenge free radicals, reducing oxidative stress. Example: Bacopa monnieri protects neurons from oxidative damage.

4. Anti-inflammatory Action: Herbal drugs may suppress pro-inflammatory cytokines or block enzymes like COX/LOX. Example: Turmeric (Curcumin) inhibits COX-2 → reduces inflammation.

5. Immunomodulation: Some herbs enhance or suppress the immune response by affecting T-cells, macrophages, or cytokines. Example: Tinospora cordifolia enhances macrophage activity.

6. Hormonal Modulation (Phytoestrogens, Adaptogens): Certain herbs contain phytoestrogens or adaptogenic compounds that mimic or balance hormones. Example: Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) acts like estrogen; Ashwagandha modulates cortisol.

7. Antimicrobial and Antiviral Effects: Herbs contain natural antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral phytochemicals that disrupt pathogen metabolism or structure. Example: Neem (Azadirachta indica) inhibits bacterial growth and replication.

8. Modulation of Signal Transduction Pathways: Herbal compounds can affect cell signaling pathways like MAPK, NF-κB, or PI3K/Akt. Example: Green tea polyphenols inhibit NF-κB, reducing cancer risk and inflammation.

9. Ion Channel Modulation: Some herbs influence ion channels (Ca²⁺, Na⁺, K⁺) in nerves and muscles.

Example: Peppermint oil relaxes GI smooth muscle by blocking calcium channels.

Challenges in Herbal Pharmacotherapy

*Lack of standardization*: Variability in plant composition and potency.

*Quality control issues*: Contamination, adulteration, and poor manufacturing practices.

*Limited clinical evidence*: Insufficient human trials and efficacy data.

*Interactions with conventional medicines*: Potential herb-drug interactions.

*Toxicity and safety concerns*: Adverse effects and toxicity risks.

*Regulatory framework limitations*: Inconsistent regulations and oversight.

*Complexity of herbal mixtures*: Multiple bioactive compounds and unpredictable effects.

*Dose-response relationships*: Difficulty establishing optimal dosing.

Limitation in Herbal Pharmacotherapy

Lack of Standardization – Variability in plant sources and preparation affects consistency and efficacy.

Insufficient Clinical Evidence – Many herbs lack rigorous human trials to support safety and effectiveness.

Quality Control Issues – Risk of contamination, adulteration, and mislabeling in herbal products.

Herb-Drug Interactions – Potential interactions with conventional medications are often unknown.

Regulatory Gaps – Inconsistent regulation leads to uneven safety and quality standards.

Limited Pharmacological Data – Poor understanding of dosage, bioavailability, and mechanisms of action.

Complex Formulations – Multi-compound mixtures make it hard to isolate therapeutic effects.

Sustainability Concerns – Overharvesting threatens medicinal plant biodiversity.

Recent Advances and Future Prospects

System-specific benefits – Medicinal plants offer targeted therapeutic effects across major body systems (e.g., nervous, cardiovascular, digestive, respiratory, immune, endocrine, etc.).

Natural and holistic approach – Herbal remedies often provide gentler, holistic alternatives to synthetic drugs with fewer side effects.

Traditional knowledge meets science – Many herbs have long-standing traditional uses, now increasingly supported by pharmacological research.

Need for standardization – Consistency in dosage, quality, and preparation remains a major challenge for herbal medicines.

Safety and interactions – Potential herb-drug interactions and toxicity highlight the need for careful usage under expert guidance.

More research needed – Continued clinical trials and scientific validation are essential for integration into mainstream healthcare.

Global relevance – With rising interest in natural therapies, herbal pharmacotherapy shows strong potential for preventive and therapeutic care worldwide.

Abbasnezhad M, Keramat B, Salari S, Hoseinzadeh M (2012) Effect of aqueous and alcoholic extract of Eugenia caryophyllata on pain caused by formalin injection in male rats. Journal of Medicinal Plants. 2: 225-32
Abdollahi M, Karimpour H, Monsef-Esfehani HR (2003) Antinociceptive effects of Teucrium polium L. total extract and essential oil in mouse writhing test. Pharmacology Reserch. 48: 31-5.
Abdolmaleki A, Fereidoni M, Farhadi Moghadam B, Asgari A (2015) Analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Salvia multicaulis on male rats. Quarterly of the Horizon Medical Sciences. 21: 121-8.
Abena AA, Miguel LM, Mouanga A, Assah TH, Diatewa M (2003) Evaluation of analgesic effect of Datura fastuosa leaves and seed extracts. Fitoterapia. 74: 486-8.
Adams JD (2012) the use of California sagebrush (Artemisia californica) liniment to control pain. Pharmaceuticals. 5: 1045-53.
Adams JD, Guhr S, Villaseñor E (2019) Salvia mellifera—how does it alleviate chronic pain? Medicines (Basel). 6: 18.
Adams JD, Wang X (2015) Control of pain with topical plant medicines. Asian Pac J Trop Biomed. 5: 268-73.
Ali M, Arfan M, Zaman K, Ahmad H, Akbar N, Anis I, Shah MR (2011) Antiproliferative activity and chemical constituents of Hypericum oblongifolium. J Chem Soc Pak. 33: 772-7.
Alimohammadi B, Azhdari ZH, Dolatshahi M (2015) the antinociceptive effect of hydroalcoholic extracts of Scrophularia striata Boiss on mice using hot plate test. J Torbat Heydariyeh Univ Med Sci. 3: 1-7.
Alimohammadi B, Mohammadi R, Nazemi S, Azhdari-Zarmehri H (2016) Antinociceptive effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Scrophularia striata Boiss using formalin test. J Zanjan Univ Med Sci Health Serv. 24: 78-87.
Alimohammadi B, Monsef HR, Ghamooshi R, Verdian-Rizi MR (2014) Anticonvulsant effect of hydroalcoholic extracts of Scrophularia striata Boiss on pentylenetetrazol-induced seizure in mice. J Kerman Univ Med Sci. 21: 207-18.
Amin GH (1991) Herbal medicines and traditional in Iran. Vol. 1. Tehran: Research Deputy of the Ministry of Health, Treatment and Medical Education; 39-40, 138-9.
Amiot MJ, Fleuriet A, Macheix JJ (1986) Importance and evolution of phenolic compounds in olive during growth and maturation. J Agric Food Chem. 34: 823-6.
Arzi A, Sarkaki A, Aghel N, Nazari Z, Saeidnejad S (2011) Study of analgesic effect of hydroalcoholic extracts of Cinnamomum zeylanicum. Sci Med J. 10: 271-9.
Ashrafjahani A (2006) Date—the fruit of life. Vol. 1–9. Tehran: Agricultural Publication. 21-9.
Ave-sina A (1988) Law in medicine. Vol. 314. Tehran: Soroosh Press.
Aynehchi Y (1986) Pharmacognosy and medicinal plants of Iran. Tehran: Tehran University Publication. 1039.
Ayuga C (1985) Contribución al estudio de flavonoides in D. rotundifolia L. A Real Acad Nac Farm Clave. 51: 321-6.
Azevedo MI, Pereira AF, Nogueira RB, Rolim FE, Brito GA, Wong DVT, Vale ML (2013) the antioxidant effects of the flavonoids rutin and quercetin inhibit oxaliplatin-induced chronic painful peripheral neuropathy. Mol Pain. 9: 53.
Aziz E, Nathan B, McKeever J (2000) Anesthetic and analgesic practices in Avicenna’s canon of medicine. Am J Chin Med. 28: 147-51.
Bakhtiyari E, Yousofvand N, Hatami K (2016) the effects of ethanolic extract of dill (Anethum graveolens) on morphine withdrawal symptoms in addicted male NMRI rats. Armaghane Danesh. 21: 335-47.

Table 1

Table 2

Table 3

Table 4

Table 5

Table 6

Table 7

Table 8

Table 9

Table 10

Table 11

Table 12

Figure 1

Figure 2

Herbal plants	Biological name	Family	MOA	Uses
Ashwagandha	Withania somnnieri	Solanceae	Reduces stress by lowering cortisol (HPA axis modulation).Enhances GABA activity – calming and anti-anxiety effects..	reduces stress and anxiety ,Enhances memory and cognition ,Protects brain cells , Supports mood and may reduce depression
Brahmi	Bacopa monnieri	Plantaginaceae	Antioxidant Neutralizes free radicals, protects neurons from oxidative stress.	Enhances memory and learning, Reduces anxiety and stress
Gotu kola	Centella asiatica	Apiaceae	Antioxidant action – Reduces oxidative stress and protects neurons.	enhances memory and cognitive function, reduces anxiety and stress
Lemon balm	Melissa officinalis	Lamiaceae (Mint family)	Antioxidant action – Protects neurons from oxidative damage.	Reduces stress, Improves sleep and treats insomnia
Tulsi	Ocium sanctum	Lamiaceae (Mint family)	Antioxidant action – Protects neurons from oxidative stress and free radical damage.	Reduces stress and anxiety, Improves memory and cognitive function

Herbal Plants	Biological Name	Family	MOA	Uses
Garlic	Allium sativum	Amaryllidaceae	Inhibits platelet aggregation,	Lowers Blood Pressure – Acts as a natural antihypertensive,
			Promotes vasodilation via increased nitric oxide	Reduces Cholesterol – Lowers total and LDL cholesterol.
Ginger	Zingiber officinale	Zingiberaceae	Inhibits platelet aggregation,	Antiplatelet Effect – Prevents blood clot formation,
			Reduces blood clot formation	Improves Circulation – Enhances blood flow.
Turmeric	Curcuma longa	Zingiberaceae	Anti-inflammatory: Inhibits NF-κB, reducing vascular inflammation.	Anti-inflammatory – Reduces vascular inflammation,
			Antioxidant: Scavenges free radicals, protecting blood vessels.	antioxidant – Protects heart cells from oxidative stress.

Herbal plants	Biological name	Family	MOA	Uses
Ginger	Zingiber officinale	Zingiberaceae	Anti-nausea – Blocks serotonin receptors in the gut. Anti-inflammatory – Reduces gastrointestinal inflammation.	Reduces bloating and gas, Alleviates indigestion and heartburn, Calms stomach inflammation
Turmeric	Curcuma longa	Zingiberaceae	Antimicrobial – Fights harmful gut bacteria. Promotes healing – Supports repair of digestive tract lining.	Reats indigestion and bloating, Reduces gastric inflammation and ulcers

Fenugreek	Trigonella foenum- graecum	Fabaceae	Carminative – Reduces gas and bloating. Hypoglycemic – Slows carbohydrate absorption, aiding digestion.	Elieves constipation, Soothes gastric irritation, Reduces acid reflux and heartburn
Coriander	Coriandrum sativum	Aplaceae	Anti-inflammatory – Calms gut inflammation.	Relieves indigestion and bloating, Reduces intestinal cramps, Acts as a carminative to prevent gas
			Antimicrobial – Fights harmful gut bacteria.
Aloe Vera	Aloe barbadensis miller	Asphodellaceae	Demulcent – Protects and heals mucous membranes.	Treats constipation, Soothes gastritis and ulcers. Reduces inflammation in gut
			Antimicrobial – Inhibits harmful gut bacteria.

Herbal plants	Biological name	Family	MOA	Uses
Tulsi	Ocium sanctum	Lamiaceae	Antimicrobial – Fights respiratory pathogens (bacteria, viruses, fungi), Immunomodulatory – Enhances immune response against infections.	Acts as an expectorant, Fights respiratory infections
Vasaka	Adhatoda vasica	Acanthaceae	Mucolytic – Breaks down thick mucus for easier clearance, Anti-inflammatory – Reduces airway inflammation.	Acts as an expectorant
				,Clears mucus from lungs
Ginger	Zingiber officinale	Zingiberaceae	Anti-inflammatory – Reduces airway inflammation, Antioxidant – Protects lung tissue from oxidative stress.	Relieves cough and cold,
				Loosens mucus
Turmeric	Curcuma langa	Zingiberaceae	Antioxidant – Neutralizes free radicals, protects lung tissue, Antimicrobial – Fights respiratory pathogens (bacteria, viruses, fungi).	Eases asthma and bronchitis
				Helps clear mucus
Clove	Syzygium aromaticum	Myrtaceae	Antitussive – Suppresses cough reflex, Expectorant – Aids in loosening and expelling mucus.	Relieves cough and sore throat
				Acts as an expectorant

Herbal plants	Biological name	family	MOA	Uses
Ashwagandha	Withania samnifera	Solanceae	Supports adrenal glands – Helps combat adrenal fatigue. Improves insulin sensitivity – Aids in blood sugar regulation.	Reduces cortisol – Manages stress and anxiety.
				Supports thyroid function – Helps in hypothyroidism.
Fenugreek	Trigonella foenum-graecum	Fabaceae	Increases insulin secretion – Stimulates pancreatic beta cells.	Boosts testosterone – Enhances male hormone levels, Supports lactation – Acts as a natural galactagogue, Regulates appetite – Influences metabolic hormones.
			Improves insulin sensitivity – Enhances glucose uptake in tissues.
Shatavari	Asparagus racemosus	Asparagaceae	Modulates cortisol – Reduces stress hormone levels. Enhances prolactin secretion – Promotes lactation.	Supports lactation – Acts as a natural galactagogue, Regulates menstrual cycle – Helps in PMS and irregular periods.
Turmeric	Curcuma longa	Zingiberaceae	Regulates cortisol – Modulates stress response via HPA axis. Supports thyroid function – May protect thyroid cells from oxidative stress.	Improves insulin sensitivity – Helps in diabetes management, Reduces .
Neem	Azadirachta indica	Meliaceae	Regulates thyroid hormones – May suppress T3/T4 levels (anti-thyroid effect). Reduces cortisol – Shows adaptogenic effects, modulating stress hormones.	Lowers blood sugar – Helps manage diabetes.
				Modulates thyroid function – May reduce overactive thyroid activity.

SUPPORT RESOURCES