• The Interplay of Genetic Polymorphisms and Herbal Medicine: A Review of Pharmacogenomic Influences on Phytotherapy
  • Fatemeh Pouramiri,1 Maedeh Azadeh,2 Proshat Azizi,3 Zahra Zaghari,4,*
    1. Researcher at the Iran Research Club, Karaj.
    2. Researcher at the Iran Research Club, Karaj.
    3. Researcher at the Iran Research Club, Karaj.
    4. Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.


  • Introduction: The use of herbal medicines(HMs) has seen a global resurgence due to their perceived natural origin and cultural acceptance. However, significant inter-individual variability in their therapeutic efficacy and safety profiles remains a major clinical concern. A primary factor contributing to this variability is genetic polymorphism, particularly in genes encoding drug-metabolizing enzymes, transporters, and drug targets. This review aims to synthesize current evidence on how genetic variations influence the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of bioactive compounds from herbal medicines, thereby affecting clinical outcomes.
  • Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using major scientific databases(e.g., PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) for articles published . Keywords included combinations of "genetic polymorphism," "pharmacogenetics," "herbal medicine," "phytotherapy," "cytochrome ," "drug transporters," and specific herb names (e.g., Hypericum perforatum, Ginkgo biloba). The review focused on human studies, clinical trials, and in vitro investigations that provided direct evidence of gene-herb interactions. Data were extracted and analyzed to identify consistent patterns and mechanistic insights.
  • Results: The analysis revealed substantial evidence that genetic polymorphisms significantly modulate the effects of herbal medicines.Key findings include: · Metabolism: Polymorphisms in cytochrome enzymes markedly alter the metabolism of herbal constituents. For instance, the efficacy and toxicity of kava (Piper methysticum) and the antidepressant effect of St. John's Wort are influenced by phenotypes. · Transport: Variations in genes encoding drug transporters like P-glycoprotein affect the absorption and distribution of herbal compounds, impacting their bioavailability and potential for drug-herb interactions. · Targets: Polymorphisms in receptor genes (e.g., serotonin transporters for St. John's Wort) can determine an individual's therapeutic response to an herbal remedy. · Toxicity: Certain genetic backgrounds predispose individuals to herb-induced toxicities, such as hepatotoxicity from pyrrolizidine alkaloid-containing herbs.
  • Conclusion: Genetic polymorphism is a critical,yet often overlooked, determinant of the inter-individual variability in response to herbal medicines. Understanding these pharmacogenomic relationships is essential for advancing personalized phytotherapy. Integrating genetic profiling into clinical practice can help predict patient responses, optimize herbal drug selection and dosing, and minimize adverse reactions. Future research should focus on large-scale clinical studies to establish definitive gene-herb correlations and develop guidelines for the genetically-informed use of herbal medicines
  • Keywords: Polymorphisms , Herbal Medicine , Phytotherapy