Hepatoprotective Effects of Liv.52 in Chronic Liver Disease Preclinical, Clinical, and Safety Evidence: A Review

Abstract

Chronic liver disease (CLD) is a growing concern worldwide. The common etiological factors include infection, alcohol abuse, exposure to hepatotoxic drugs, autoimmune disorders, and metabolic diseases. The chronic liver disease progresses to liver cirrhosis and its consequent complications. It is routinely managed by a combination of various therapies in combination with lifestyle modifications. The current literature supports the growing importance of the usage of herbal medicines in the management of CLD due to their efficacy and very low incidence of adverse effects. Liv.52 is a known polyherbal formulation and has been used for over 50 years in India and other countries. The evidence collected from preclinical and clinical studies supports the use of Liv.52 in symptomatic improvement and supportive treatment due to hepatitis (including Hepatitis B), alcoholic liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and hepatotoxicity due to drugs used in the treatment of tuberculosis. Liv.52 has also shown some preliminary hepatoprotective effects in patients with liver cirrhosis due to its potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Both the syrup and tablet formulations are well tolerated and have shown a good safety profile. Liv.52 may be a favorable herbal choice for the management of CLD due to various etiologies.

Ameliorative Effect of Polyherbal Formulation for Restoring Liver Health: A Systematic Review

“…Infection, alcohol misuse, exposure to hepatotoxic medications, autoimmune conditions, and metabolic diseases are among the common etiological factors. Cirrhosis of the liver and its associated consequences are the outcome of the chronic liver disease Kantharia et al (2023), Gaurav et al (2023). For this reason, maintaining a healthy liver is essential.…”

Safety and Effectiveness of Liv.52 DS in Patients With Varied Hepatic Disorders: An Open-Label, Multi-centre, Phase IV Study

“…Pharmacological interventions to manage CLD may include antiviral drugs (viral hepatitis), corticosteroids, and immunosuppressive agents (autoimmune hepatitis) apart from symptomatic management [4]. However, long-term use of antiviral medications has been associated with hepatotoxicity and antiviral resistance [5,6], while long-term use of immunosuppressants increases the risk of infections and causes metabolic disturbances [4,7]. This necessitates the identification and development of alternative medicines that are hepatoprotective in function and are less toxic or safe for long-term use.…”

“…As per the available information, it is indicated in the symptomatic improvement and supportive treatment of mild-to-moderate ALD, viral hepatitis, NAFLD, and DIH [7]. Liv.52 might be used as an adjuvant to other medications known for causing DIH (anti-tubercular drugs, antiretrovirals, chemotherapeutic agents, statins) [6][7][8]. Although the hepatoprotective function of Liv.52 in liver diseases is well recognized, the objective of this study was to further strengthen and validate its safety and effectiveness on a larger patient pool in a real-world scenario in scattered geography.…”