Natural products against autoimmune hepatitis: Structures, pharmacologies and mechanisms

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic disease characterized by lymphocyte infiltration in the liver. Ignoring and delaying treatment may lead to cirrhosis or end-stage liver failure. The incidence and prevalence of AIH are gradually increasing worldwide, affecting individuals of all ages, with females being particularly susceptible. Although a prompt response to treatment with corticosteroids and other immunomodulatory drugs is nearly universal and supports the diagnosis, their side effects cannot be avoided. Chinese herbs have been used for thousands of years to treat a wide range of diseases. Natural products (NPs) have become vital resources for bioactive agents in the discovery of anti-AIH drugs. Recently, more natural components have been utilized for treating liver disorders, emerging as a promising therapy for various hepatic conditions. The structures and properties of natural products for treating AIH, including phytochemistry, potential therapeutic mechanisms, and recent advances are summarized in this review. The development of novel anti-AIH agents will be significantly advanced by confirming the effective inhibition of AIH by NPs both in vitro and in vivo.