EXPLORING THE ROLE OF HERBAL DRUGS IN NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASE MANAGEMENT: FROM TRADITION TO CLINICAL TRIALS

Introduction: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including respiratory disorders, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders, are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Conventional pharmacological treatments, though effective, often carry significant side effects and long-term risks, prompting increasing interest in alternative and complementary therapies. Hence, there is a need to the add on therapy for the better outcome of treatment plans. Herbal medicine, rooted in traditional systems Ayurveda, has emerged as a promising adjunct or alternative approach for managing NCDs. Methodology- A literature review was done through classical Ayurveda texts and other databases sources, and data was analyzed to fix the use of herbal drug research that can provide better treatment in NCDS. Result-This research explores the current status and potential of herbal drugs in the prevention and treatment of major NCDs. Conclusion- Key botanicals such as Curcuma longa, Withania somnifera, have demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antihyperglycemic, and neuroprotective effects in various studies. However, challenges persist in the form of standardization, quality control, herb-drug interactions, and regulatory oversight. This paper also reviews recent clinical trials registered globally to assess the efficacy of herbal formulations in NCD populations.