Phytopharmaceuticals: India’s contribution to global health

India has enormous potential for the development of phytopharmaceuticals due to its vast biodiversity and extensive history of Ayurvedic medicine. This presents a promising approach for affordable and effective healthcare. Since prehistoric times, traditional remedies have made use of medicinal herbs. Plants are rich in bioactive compounds which are found in parts like the flowers, fruits, stems and leaves commonly referred to as phytochemicals. These elements support the requirements of the human body's systems. Phytopharmaceuticals have been employed extensively throughout the ages where both patients and medical professionals have recognized their greater therapeutic value and lower side-effect rates when compared with current medications. Targeting certain receptors, inhibiting disease pathways, and interrupting pathogenic life cycles are the main ways that phytopharmaceuticals work which hold promise in treating a spectrum of health conditions including oncological disorders, endocrine disorders, cardiovascular issues and neurodegenerative syndromes. Despite the potential benefits, challenges remain in integrating phytopharmaceuticals into mainstream medicine, such as addressing concerns over safety, drug interactions, and quality control. This review mainly focuses on significance, therapeutic applications, regulatory framework, challenges and future directions of phytopharmaceuticals.