Hepatoprotective Plants from Bangladesh: A Biophytochemical Review and Future Prospect

Abstract

Liver diseases are quite prevalant in many densely populated countries, including Bangladesh. The liver and its hepatocytes are targeted by virus and microbes, as well as by chemical environmental toxicants, causing wide-spread disruption of metabolic fuctions of the human body, leading to death from end-stage liver diseases. The aim of this review is to systematically explore and record the potential of Bangladeshi ethnopharmacological plants to treat liver diseases with focus on their sources, constituents, and therapeutic uses, including mechanisms of actions (MoA). A literature survey was carried out using Pubmed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and Scopus databases with articles reported until July, 2020. A total of 88 Bangladeshi hepatoprotective plants (BHPs) belonging to 47 families were listed in this review, including Euphorbiaceae, Cucurbitaceae, and Compositae families contained 20% of plants, while herbs were the most cited (51%) and leaves were the most consumed parts (23%) as surveyed. The effect of BHPs against different hepatotoxins was observed via upregulation of antioxidant systems and inhibition of lipid peroxidation which subsequently reduced the elevated liver biomarkers. Different active constituents, including phenolics, curcuminoids, cucurbitanes, terpenoids, fatty acids, carotenoids, and polysaccharides, have been reported from these plants. The hepatoameliorative effect of these constituents was mainly involved in the reduction of hepatic oxidative stress and inflammation through activation of Nrf2/HO-1 and inhibition of NF-κB signaling pathways. In summary, BHPs represent a valuable resource for hepatoprotective lead therapeutics which may offer new alternatives to treat liver diseases.

Prospective Application of Tannic Acid in Acetaminophen (APAP)-Induced Acute Liver Failure

“…Numerous studies focusing on plants and their herbal formulations worldwide have reported their hepatoprotective properties. Various phytoconstituents derived from these plants have demonstrated their effectiveness in protecting liver health, both in vitro and in vivo [20].…”

“…Numerous studies focusing on plants and their herbal formulations worldwide have reported their hepatoprotective properties. Various phytoconstituents derived from these plants have demonstrated their effectiveness in protecting liver health, both in vitro and in vivo [ 20 ]. For instance, TA, which is abundantly found in cereals, legumes, fruits, herbs, green tea, and red wine, possesses robust antioxidant, astringent, antiviral, and antibacterial properties.…”

“…These properties can explain traditional beliefs in Asia that drinking tea can protect the liver. However, the term “hepatoprotective” may imply either protecting or preventing liver damage [ 20 ]. Moreover, numerous studies have explored differences between hepatoprotective and hepatocurative properties in medicinal plants [ 11 , 16 ].…”

“…In addition, most studies have examined the potential of herbal medicines in addressing toxin-induced liver injuries, such as those affecting alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate transaminase (AST), and lactate dehydrogenase levels in serum and histological studies [ 16 , 19 ]. Numerous phytoconstituents have been demonstrated to protect against liver diseases in both in vitro and in vivo settings [ 20 ]. However, few of these studies have examined specific components within herbal medicine or their role in facilitating the recovery of liver function, including albumin, following toxin-induced liver injury [ 13 ].…”

Hepatoprotective Effect of Kaempferol: A Review of the Dietary Sources, Bioavailability, Mechanisms of Action, and Safety

“…More than half of pharmaceutical products are from natural compounds and their derivatives [ 9 ]. Around 80% of patients with liver disease use herbal treatments because they are easy to find, have low toxicity, have pharmacological activity and chemical variety, and have common side effects compared to synthetic drugs [ 10 ]. Kaempferol is one of the most common aglycone flavonoids in the form of glycosides.…”