Hepatoprotective properties of extensively studied medicinal plant active constituents: Possible common mechanisms

Abstract

Context: We focused on certain plant active constituents considered to be the most promising/ studied for liver disease and that were critically investigated from the basic science point of view and, to some extent, the clinical one. Due to insufficient pharmacological data, most of the herbal formulations containing these molecules cannot be recommended for the treatment of liver disease. Objective: To present the most promising compounds tested experimentally and/or clinically and describe in brief popular models in experimental testing of potential hepatoprotective compounds. Methods: A literature search using Web of Science (WOS), PubMed, and Google search was performed.Results: Focusing on a few herbal hepatoprotective active constituents is useful to health professionals working in the field of therapeutics to develop evidence-based hepatoprotective agents by conducting research on pure chemical structures or on molecular modifications using computational chemistry. This review demonstrates that multi-pathways in the liver pathobiology can be interrupted at one or more levels by natural hepatoprotective studied, such as interference with the oxidative stress at multiple levels to reduce reactive oxygen/ nitrogen species, resulting in ameliorating hepatotoxicity. Conclusion: Hepatoprotective constituents of herbal medications are poorly absorbed after oral administration; methods that can improve their bioavailability are being developed. It is recommended that controlled prospective double-blind multicenter studies on isolated active plant constituents, or on related newly designed molecules after structural modifications, should be performed. This effort will lead to expanding the existing, limited drugs for the vast majority of liver diseases.

Protective effect of Atriplex�suberecta extract against oxidative and apoptotic hepatotoxicty

“…However, exposure to a hepatotoxic agent may cause the generation of free radicals to exceed the protective effects of the antioxidant enzymes ( 34 , 35 ). The effectiveness of hepatoprotective agents is therefore dependent on their ability to attenuate the harmful free radicals and to maintain normal liver functions ( 3 , 4 , 34 ). In the present study, the in vitro and in vivo antioxidative and hepatoprotective potential of ASEE was investigated.…”

A Sargassum fluitans Borgesen Ethanol Extract Exhibits a Hepatoprotective Effect In Vivo in Acute and Chronic Liver Damage Models

“…New molecular targets have been identified through an understanding of the mechanisms involved in liver fibrosis. Molecules with antioxidant, antifibrotic, and/or anti-inflammatory activities can exercise a hepatoprotective effect on liver tissue [7].…”

Novel cuminaldehyde self-emulsified nanoemulsion for enhanced antihepatotoxicity in carbon tetrachloride-treated mice

“…Several conditions and xenobiotics can disrupt the normal functioning of liver . Common xenobiotic used to mimic hepatotoxicity in animal models is carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4 ) which induces oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation and inflammation .…”

“…[17] Several conditions and xenobiotics can disrupt the normal functioning of liver. [18] Common xenobiotic used to mimic hepatotoxicity in animal models is carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4 ) which induces oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation and inflammation. [19,20] Notably, CCl 4 induces injury via its metabolites (trichloromethyl) produced by cytochrome P450 systems.…”