Liver disorders and phytotherapy.

Area of Science:

• Hepatology and Pharmacology
• Natural Product Chemistry

Background:

• The liver is vital for metabolism and detoxification, but faces increasing threats from diseases like alcoholic liver disease (ALD), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and liver cancer.
• Current treatments for liver conditions often face challenges including drug resistance, adverse side effects, and high costs, particularly in resource-limited settings.
• Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) remains a significant clinical concern.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the mechanisms of liver injury.
• To highlight the therapeutic potential of traditionally used medicinal plants in preventing and treating liver diseases.
• To emphasize the integration of traditional medicine with modern pharmacological research.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of scientific databases.
• Analysis of studies on medicinal plants with reported hepatoprotective effects.
• Examination of bioactive compounds and their pharmacological actions.

Main Results:

• Numerous medicinal plants possess bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, glycosides, and flavonoids with demonstrated hepatoprotective properties.
• These natural agents can mitigate hepatic damage, modulate immune responses, and aid in managing chronic liver conditions.
• Traditional medicine offers a viable alternative or complementary approach to conventional therapies for liver diseases.

Conclusions:

• Medicinal plants represent a promising source for novel hepatoprotective agents.
• Integrating traditional knowledge with modern science can lead to effective and accessible treatments for liver diseases.
• Further research is warranted to validate and develop plant-derived therapies for liver health.