Herbal Drug Development and Phytochemical Research in Ayurveda – A review article

Introduction: People around the world are buying more herbal medicines because they think they are safe, cheap, and work. India has a unique place in the herbal pharmaceutical industry because of its long history of practices like Ayurveda. But the acceptance and commercialisation of herbal products in modern times are held back by problems with standardisation, validation, and the regulatory infrastructure. Method: We used a descriptive review method to look at data from government agencies (like AYUSH and NMPB), WHO reports, and academic articles. Regulatory acts, cultivation practices, pharmacopoeia standards, and market trends in the herbal sector were some of the main areas of focus. Results: India has put in place a number of programs and rules, such as the Drugs and Cosmetics Act (1940), to promote herbal medicine. Even so, there are still problems like inconsistent quality control, not enough clinical validation, and fragmented supply chains persist. India's export potential remains underutilized compared to countries like China due to weaker research and global compliance. Discussion: To capitalize on its herbal wealth, India must invest in scientific validation, regulatory harmonization with global standards (e.g., WHO-GMP), and strengthen its supply and training infrastructure. Strategic reforms can position India as a global leader in herbal drug development.