Ethnomedicinal and Therapeutic Potential of Common Medicinal Plants For Women’s Health - A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

Women’s health is influenced by complex interactions between nutrition, hormonal regulation, lifestyle, and chronic disease risk across different life stages. The present review envisages to critically evaluate the nutritional composition, functional properties, and therapeutic potential of medicinal plants and plant-based functional foods relevant to women’s health, with particular emphasis on menstrual and reproductive health,anemia, metabolic disorders, menopause,bone health and hormone-dependent conditions. A structured systematic literature review (SLR) approach was employed. Literature was searched in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar using predefined keywords related to functional foods, phytochemicals, medicinal plants, and women’s health. 80 Peer-reviewed English-language articles published between 2016 and 2025 were considered for final synthesis. The selected studies indicate that a substantial proportion of the literature reports antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, phytoestrogenic, and micronutrient-rich properties of medicinal plants, with more than half of the studies highlighting benefits related to hormonal modulation, anemia management, metabolic regulation, and menopausal symptom relief. However, findings were largely heterogeneous and narrative in nature, limiting quantitative comparison. This review underscores the potential of medicinal plants as functional foods and nutraceutical ingredients that may complement conventional therapies for women’s health. Practical recommendations include the integration of scientifically validated medicinal plants into women-centered dietary strategies, development of standardized functional food products, and the need for well-designed clinical trials to establish efficacy, safety, and dosage. Overall, the review highlights existing research gaps and provides direction for future research and product development targeting women-specific health needs.