Journey of humic substances in healthcare: Regulatory and development perspective

Humic substances are not new to mankind. These straw-colored organic acids, primarily derived from soil humus and plants, with hydrophobic core and hydrophilic exterior, are used as raw materials (such as shilajit, peat, etc.) for oral and topical applications since antiquity, as mentioned in the text of indigenous medicines. With the advancement of science, different components (humic acid and fulvic acid) are isolated, characterized, and evaluated for physicochemical and pharmacological properties. Despite possessing unique properties, their exploitation for healthcare purposes hasn’t been competitive. They are primarily present in the dietary supplement category of products, despite having the potential to be explored in therapeutic categories. Major impediments to their growth and scientific or regulatory solutions are discussed in detail in this manuscript. A comprehensive survey of different products available in the texts of indigenous medicines and the marketed products are also included. The clinical trials and patents on the topic give an idea about the ongoing investigations. This review aims to explore the multifaceted roles of HS in promoting human health, particularly focusing on recent innovations in the fields of nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetic products. Overall, it is concluded that HS has achieved great success in irrigation as fertilizer and for soil health, and it has different pharmacological or therapeutic potentials for human health.