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VOL. 7, ISSUE 4 (2025)
Ethnopharmacology in the Genomics and Metabolomics Era: bridging traditional knowledge with modern drug discovery
Authors
Mayank Singh, Deepak Kumar Saini, Jitendra Kumar Pandey, Shivali Rathore, R P Singh, Amita Arjariya
Abstract
Ethnopharmacology represents
the scientific study of traditional
knowledge related to medicinal plants and their healing properties. Many of
today’s pharmaceutical drugs, such as aspirin, quinine, and morphine, have
their origins in ethnobotanical traditions. However, traditional studies often
face challenges due to the absence of standardized methodologies, limited
mechanistic insights, and variability in plant composition. Recent advances in genomics
and metabolomics have transformed ethnopharmacological research by providing
tools to explore plant diversity at molecular and biochemical levels. Genomic
approaches help identify genes and biosynthetic pathways responsible for the
production of secondary metabolites, which are often the key bioactive
constituents. Metabolomics, on the other hand, generates detailed chemical
fingerprints that allow the identification and quantification of metabolites,
facilitating the discovery of novel compounds with therapeutic potential. The
integration of computational biology, network pharmacology, and artificial
intelligence (AI) further strengthens the bridge between traditional medicine
and modern pharmacology. These tools can predict biological activities, model
multi-target interactions, and accelerate the drug discovery pipeline. Despite
these advancements, ethical concerns remain central—particularly regarding
intellectual property rights, biopiracy, and equitable benefit-sharing with
indigenous communities who have preserved this knowledge for generations. This
review highlights how genomics and metabolomics are reshaping ethnopharmacology,
offering a framework for validating traditional claims and uncovering new leads
for plant-based drug discovery. Future research should focus on
interdisciplinary collaboration, data integration, and ethical frameworks to
ensure sustainable and respectful use of traditional medicinal knowledge.
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Pages:1-7
How to cite this article:
Mayank Singh, Deepak Kumar Saini, Jitendra Kumar Pandey, Shivali Rathore, R P Singh, Amita Arjariya "Ethnopharmacology in the Genomics and Metabolomics Era: bridging traditional knowledge with modern drug discovery". International Journal of Biotechnology and Microbiology, Vol 7, Issue 4, 2025, Pages 1-7
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