Post-harvest management of medicinal and aromatic plants: Current trends and recent advances

The global demand for medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) is growing due to their diverse applications in healthcare, cosmetics, and other industries. However, variations in product quality arise primarily from inconsistencies in cultivation, harvesting, and post-harvest practices. Inappropriate harvesting techniques, inadequate handling and aggregation of produce, poor packaging, and the lack of proper technologies, infrastructure, and transportation practices contribute to an estimated loss of 15-20% of herbal material. These losses not only affect market supply but also compromise the quality and efficacy of the final products. This review highlights comprehensive studies on advanced technologies aimed at preserving the quality and efficacy of MAPs. Key aspects of post-harvest management, including inspection, sorting, primary processing, drying, packaging, and storage, are discussed. Technologies such as electronic nose technology, near-infrared spectroscopy, artificial neural network and nanotechnology have shown potential to minimize post-harvest losses and ensure the quality of MAPs. These innovations offer promising solutions for detecting impurities, enhancing drying processes, and improving the longevity and stability of herbal products. However, many of these technologies remain in their infancy, and their efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability require further investigation. Future research should focus on scaling up these technologies, adapting them to diverse MAP species, and addressing the unique challenges faced by small-scale producers. Collaboration between researchers, industry stakeholders, and policymakers will be essential to developing holistic and sustainable approaches to post-harvest management. By advancing technological solutions and improving practices, the MAP industry can meet rising global demands while maintaining high standards of quality and sustainability.