Toxicity Protocols for Natural Products in the Drug Development Process

Abstract

Natural products are less toxic than synthetic compounds because of the adaption of humans and animals through exposure over time, which has enabled them to develop detoxification mechanisms [1]. Phytochemicals are extracted from plants and contain many interrelated chemical compounds that may have different pharmacological effects, when the whole plant preparation is used. Although occurring rarely compared with synthetic compounds, adverse effects of natural products have been reported in the literature [2]. Therefore, toxicity studies are necessary for medicinal products derived from natural products before humans are exposed to them. In vitro studies, which are conducted outside the intact organism, provide important tools to develop our understanding of the hazardous effects of natural products and to enable us to predict these effects in humans. They are widely used for screening purposes [3]. Before testing the toxicity of a herbal product, the complexity of the herbal material should be considered. The product naming system (botanical, common, pharmaceutical name, or herbal drug name), botanical identity, and the relevant part of the herb to be tested should also be considered before testing