Past and present scenario of hepatoprotectants

The liver plays a significant role not only in metabolism and disposition of the chemicals to which it is exposed directly or indirectly but also plays a pivotal role in the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, proteins and immunomodulations. The impairment of liver generally results from viral or portozoal infections, excessive use of alcohol, drugs and xenobiotics. This review provides an overall view about the past and present status of the hepatoprotectants resulted from synthetic and plant origins.