Nowadays, plant-based medications are extensively used around the globe. A substantial portion of the world's population, lacks access to conventional allopathic medications due to economic constraints therefore, turns to traditional plant-based remedies [1]. India boasts around 8000 species of flowering plants, with approximately 900 of them recognized as having medicinal properties. Over 50 % of modern pharmaceuticals have their roots in nature, underscoring the vital role these natural resources play in drug development. While over 50,000 flowering plants are employed for medicinal purposes worldwide.

The North Eastern region of India is a veritable treasure trove of traditional medical knowledge and a rich source of medicinal plants. In West Bengal, a state in eastern India, herbal plants have been traditionally utilized to address various sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The study revealed 28 sexual and gynaecological disorders treated with 18 single-herb and 31 multi-herb formulations comprising 96 plant species from 86 genera and 47 families [2]. A study conducted in the Chakrata region of Uttarakhand investigated the use of medicinal plants in traditional medicine for STDs by the Jaunsari tribe. For instance, the Paliyar tribals in Tamil Nadu employ Vitex negundo, or Nocchi, to address various ailments, including STDs. Studies on the Kadugolla tribes of Tumkur District in Karnataka also documented the utilization of various medicinal plants for treating STDs, such as Acalypha indica, Ageratum conyzoides, and Andrographis paniculate [3]. Herbal remedies for a variety of ailments, including sexually transmitted diseases, have long been used by the Santhal tribe, an Indian tribal group in the state of Jharkhand. Women of these ethnic groups primarily depend on forest resources for their subsistence and the gathering of therapeutic herbs to treat STIs and gynaecological ailments. Gynaecological issues are common among rural women because of heavy domestic labour, poor living circumstances, and malnourishment [4].

Herbal medicines often have less adverse effects on the body than allopathic ones do. Therefore, in order to determine the chemical agents responsible for the therapeutic benefits of plants, it is imperative to carefully assess the medicinal characteristics of plants. For example, essential oils (thyme, oregano, and cloves) have long been utilized to treat Candida albicans because of their inherent antifungal, antibacterial, and anti- inflammatory properties [5]. Aloe vera has been effective over the time in getting rid of bacterial STDs and reducing inflammatory processes. Aloe vera and honey work well together to boost the antibacterial impact against Trichomonas vaginalis infections and the symptoms they cause [6]. Grown in Southeast Asia, mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana) is a very uncommon fruit that has been effectively used to treat gonorrhoea infections. Native to North America is the medicinal herb known as goldenseal. The Cherokee Indians utilized goldenseal to cure gastrointestinal and urogenital disorders, infections, flu, and common colds. The plant possesses potent antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and antiparasitic properties due to its bioactive constituents. As a result, it is suggested as a substitute treatment for several bacterial or viral illnesses, including C. trachomatis, C. albicans, and HPV infections [7].

The lack of standardization in the preparation and dosage of herbal remedies often leads to inconsistent therapeutic outcomes. Traditional medicine may not effectively address co-infections, drug resistant pathogens or chronic complications associated with STDs. Finally, in adequate documentation of traditional knowledge and the declining availability of medicinal plants due to environmental degradation pose significant challenges to sustainability of these practices [8].

Traditional Healing Practices offers a wide range of benefits beyond addressing immediate health concerns. One significant advantage is their potential to support healthy immunity [9]. Many THPs such as herbal remedies, dietary practices and mind body techniques such as yoga or meditation are designed to strengthen the body’s natural defence mechanisms. Additionally, THPs foster self-efficacy by providing individuals with tools and strategies to take an active role in managing their health [10]. Therefore, the objective of this review to systematically assess the in-vitro and in-vivo evidences supporting the of traditional herbal medicines int the treatment of STDs.