<p>Corrosion of reinforcing steel in reinforced concrete (RCC) is one of the principal concerns regarding the lifetime and durability of infrastructures worldwide. This review systematically explores the potential of botanical extracts as sustainable corrosion inhibitors, while providing general and comprehensive coverage of the findings from several existing studies. The present review describes the preparation of botanical extracts, their phytochemical characterization, identification of functional groups, and effectiveness as corrosion inhibitors. Further, it covers a wide range of key testing approaches, from surface morphology test using advanced imaging techniques, and fitting of adsorption isotherms, to mechanistic studies that assist in tracking how inhibitors interactively engage with the surface of steel metal under RCC conditions. The review collates from the literature based on the treatment of different botanical extracts on works of ferrous alloys and reinforcing steel by comparing with different influencing factors including temperature, immersion time, pH. The diversity in studies shows the environmental conditions, types of inhibitors, and testing techniques that have been used, highlighting the scope and potential of botanical corrosion inhibitors for corrosion mitigation. These results demonstrate a scope for green chemistry, the replacement of typical chemical inhibitors with plant-based inhibitors would provide ecologically and economically sustainable approaches in the world working towards better sustainability. This review explores the evolution of corrosion inhibitors, transitioning from conventional chemical methods to ecologically sustainable and technologically advanced alternatives for better construction practices. It builds a strong framework emphasizing the past, present, and future techniques involved in the corrosion.</p>