Advancements in Quantitative and Qualitative Methods for Quality Control of Herbal Drugs: A Comprehensive Review

The quality control of herbal drugs is a critical aspect of ensuring their safety, efficacy and reliability. The complex composition of herbal products, influenced by environmental, genetic and processing factors, necessitates robust analytical approaches. This review highlights recent advancements (2020-2024) in quantitative and qualitative methods for herbal drug quality control. Quantitative methods, such as HPLC, GC, and NMR spectroscopy, focus on the precise measurement of bioactive compounds, ensuring batch-to-batch consistency. Complementary to these are qualitative methods, including DNA barcoding, TLC and phytochemical screening, which authenticate botanical sources and detect adulterants. The integration of these methodologies provides a comprehensive framework for quality assessment, addressing both compositional consistency and authenticity. Despite advancements, challenges such as variability in raw materials and the lack of universal standards persist. This review underscores the need for interdisciplinary collaboration to overcome these challenges and standardize quality control practices globally. By leveraging recent technological innovations, the pharmaceutical industry and regulatory bodies can ensure the safety and efficacy of herbal medicines, fostering consumer confidence and adherence to regulatory requirements.