4. Extract characterization and identification of active compounds

4.1 Toxicity assessment

Before committing substantial financial resources to the development of an active ingredient from a target plant, it is crucial to assess the extract's toxicity. This stage can be carried out at various stages of development. Integrating this criterion at an early stage enables us to distinguish between plants and eliminate those presenting an obvious toxicological risk at an early stage. However, not all tests are suitable for screening, making them costly and time-consuming to carry out at this stage, leading some laboratories to postpone this step.

The assessment of the toxicity of ingredients and finished products is regulated differently around the world. In China, although animal testing is no longer compulsory, it is not prohibited...