Natural Compounds in Pediatric Disease Treatment
Dmitry O Ivanov1, Roman O Shaikenov2, Svetlana N Morozkina2,3,4,5
1Department of Neonatology, Department of Pathology, Saint Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University, Litovskaya Str., 2, 194110 Saint Petersburg, Russia.
Biomedicines
|July 28, 2026
Summary
Plant-derived compounds show promise for treating pediatric respiratory infections, with good safety when standardized. Further research is needed to address quality and regulatory challenges for broader use in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Medicine
- Phytotherapy
- Clinical Pharmacology
Background:
- Plant-derived compounds (phytotherapy) are increasingly explored for pediatric health.
- Evidence for their use in children is growing but requires careful evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review clinical and epidemiological evidence on phytotherapy in pediatric practice.
- To assess the efficacy, safety, and challenges of using plant-derived compounds in children.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of randomized controlled trials and epidemiological data.
- Analysis of evidence for acute respiratory infections, neurodevelopmental disorders, gastrointestinal conditions, dermatology, and oncology support.
Main Results:
- Selected phytotherapies demonstrate symptomatic efficacy in acute pediatric respiratory infections with favorable safety profiles.
- Emerging research suggests potential in other pediatric conditions, but product quality and pediatric-specific data are limited.
Conclusions:
- Standardized phytotherapy can be effective and safe in pediatric care, particularly for respiratory issues.
- Addressing variability in product quality, conducting pediatric-specific trials, and establishing clear regulations are crucial for evidence-based integration.
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