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Dawoud A, Aburizig M, Abbakar B, Ibrahim A, Fath Elrhman M, Aljaili O, et al . Herbal Cosmeceuticals in Sudan: Phytochemical Properties, Therapeutic Potentials, and Economic Opportunities. pbp 2026; 8
URL: http://pbp.medilam.ac.ir/article-1-350-en.html
URL: http://pbp.medilam.ac.ir/article-1-350-en.html
Azza Dawoud *1 
, Marwa Aburizig2 , Balsam Abbakar2 , Anwar Ibrahim2 , Maram Fath Elrhman2 , Omsalama Aljaili2 , Marwa Dia Aldin2 , Walaa Adil2
, Marwa Aburizig2 , Balsam Abbakar2 , Anwar Ibrahim2 , Maram Fath Elrhman2 , Omsalama Aljaili2 , Marwa Dia Aldin2 , Walaa Adil2
1- 1. Assistant Professor of Pharmaceutics, at Medicinal & Aromatic Plants and Traditional Medicine Research Institute, National Centre for Research, Khartoum, Sudan.2. Pharmaceutical Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, National Ribat University, Sudan , azzadawoudhussien@gmail.com
2- Faculty of Pharmacy, National Ribat University, Sudan
2- Faculty of Pharmacy, National Ribat University, Sudan
Abstract: (848 Views)
Objective: Herbal cosmeceuticals are gaining global attention due to their multifunctional, safe, and sustainable properties. Sudan, endowed with rich biodiversity and ethnobotanical heritage, hosts numerous medicinal plants traditionally used for skin and hair care. However, scientific validation, standardization, and industrial development of these plants remain limited. This review systematically identifies Sudanese medicinal plants with cosmeceutical potential, evaluates their phytochemical and pharmacological evidence, and explores industrial and economic opportunities.
Methods: A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and AJOL up to August 2025. Boolean operators were used, and inclusion/exclusion criteria were applied following PRISMA guidelines. Study quality was assessed using CASP and AMSTAR 2 tools.
Results: Fifteen Sudanese medicinal plants were identified, with Nigella sativa, Lawsonia inermis, and Adansonia digitata being the most frequently studied. These plants exhibited antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, moisturizing, and hair-strengthening effects. However, most evidence derived from in vitro and animal studies, with limited clinical validation and no standardized industrial formulations. SWOT analysis highlighted opportunities (biodiversity, global market demand, women’s empowerment) and challenges (regulatory gaps, limited infrastructure, lack of standardization).
Conclusion: Sudanese medicinal plants possess strong potential for developing innovative herbal cosmeceuticals. Future research should focus on clinical validation, standardization protocols, and industrial feasibility. Harnessing these resources could promote therapeutic innovation, empower local communities, and enhance Sudan’s role in the global “green beauty” market.
Methods: A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and AJOL up to August 2025. Boolean operators were used, and inclusion/exclusion criteria were applied following PRISMA guidelines. Study quality was assessed using CASP and AMSTAR 2 tools.
Results: Fifteen Sudanese medicinal plants were identified, with Nigella sativa, Lawsonia inermis, and Adansonia digitata being the most frequently studied. These plants exhibited antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, moisturizing, and hair-strengthening effects. However, most evidence derived from in vitro and animal studies, with limited clinical validation and no standardized industrial formulations. SWOT analysis highlighted opportunities (biodiversity, global market demand, women’s empowerment) and challenges (regulatory gaps, limited infrastructure, lack of standardization).
Conclusion: Sudanese medicinal plants possess strong potential for developing innovative herbal cosmeceuticals. Future research should focus on clinical validation, standardization protocols, and industrial feasibility. Harnessing these resources could promote therapeutic innovation, empower local communities, and enhance Sudan’s role in the global “green beauty” market.
Keywords: Herbal cosmeceuticals, Sudanese medicinal plants, phytochemistry, dermatological applications, industrial and economic opportunities
Type of Study: Review/Systemtic review |
Subject:
Herbal Drugs
Received: 2025/06/10 | Accepted: 2025/09/21 | Published: 2026/01/20
Received: 2025/06/10 | Accepted: 2025/09/21 | Published: 2026/01/20
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