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Natural Alkaloids Against Liver Injury: Mechanistic Insights and Multi-Target Therapeutic Potential
Yating Xiao1, Zhirui Tian1, Jie Cui1
1Key Laboratory of Protection, Development and Utilization of Medicinal Resources in Liupanshan Area, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, No. 1160 Shengli Street, Yinchuan 750004, China.
Biomolecules
|June 26, 2026
Summary
Natural alkaloids show promise for treating liver injury by targeting multiple pathways. These plant-derived compounds offer a safer, more effective alternative to current hepatoprotective drugs.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Hepatology
- Natural Product Chemistry
Background:
- Liver injury stems from diverse causes like drug toxicity, metabolic issues, and infections, leading to fibrosis and liver failure.
- Existing hepatoprotective drugs have limitations, including poor specificity, efficacy, and side effects, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
- Natural alkaloids, plant-derived compounds, possess structural diversity, potent bioactivity, and good safety profiles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the pathogenic mechanisms of major liver injury types.
- To explore the therapeutic potential of natural alkaloids in liver injury treatment.
- To provide a basis for developing new hepatoprotective agents from natural sources.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search of PubMed, Web of Science, CNKI, and Google Scholar.
- Analysis of pathogenic mechanisms across various liver injury models.
- Evaluation of the hepatoprotective effects and mechanisms of natural alkaloids.
Main Results:
- Natural alkaloids demonstrate multi-target and multi-pathway mechanisms against liver injury.
- Key mechanisms include regulation of oxidative stress, inflammation, lipid metabolism, and cell death.
- Alkaloids show significant potential for preventing and treating liver damage.
Conclusions:
- Natural alkaloids represent a promising class of compounds for liver injury treatment.
- Their multi-faceted action offers advantages over conventional hepatoprotective drugs.
- Further research into alkaloids can lead to the development of novel, effective liver protectants.
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