The pharmacology and mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine in promoting liver regeneration: A new therapeutic option

Abstract

The liver is known for its remarkable regenerative capacity to restore liver architecture and re-establish specific functions after various types of liver injury. However, in patients with end-stage liver disease, the regenerative capacity is inhibited and liver transplantation is the only option. Considering the limitations of liver transplantation and the prevalence of liver regeneration in liver injury, promoting liver regeneration is suggested as an effective strategy for treating patients with liver disease. Liver regeneration is a complex process involving the regulation of cytokines, growth factors, and metabolic signals. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been practiced for thousands of years due to its comprehensive intervention advantages with multi-component and multi-pathway. Recent studies have described that TCM can effectively promote liver regeneration. In this review, we provide an overview of the molecular mechanisms involved in the process and regulation of liver regeneration. Subsequently, we first summarize the pro-regenerative activity and mechanism of TCM formulas, extracts and active ingredients, which reveal the potential of TCM in promoting liver regeneration and provide reasonable evidence for TCM in the prevention and treatment of patients with clinical liver disease.

Network pharmacological analysis on the mechanism of Linggui Zhugan decoction for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

“…TCM employs tailored treatments based on specific diagnoses for different diseases. [9,10] NAFLD is classified under the TCM category of "Xie-Tong," "Gan-Pi," "Fei-Qi," and "Ji-Ju." TCM has been widely recognized for its efficacy in preventing and treating NAFLD, offering precise therapeutic effects with minimal adverse reactions.…”

“…TCM employs tailored treatments based on specific diagnoses for different diseases. [9,10] NAFLD is classified under the TCM category of “Xie-Tong,” “Gan-Pi,” “Fei-Qi,” and “Ji-Ju.” TCM has been widely recognized for its efficacy in preventing and treating NAFLD, offering precise therapeutic effects with minimal adverse reactions. [11] Hui D [12] reported that a spleen-strengthening and liver-draining formula demonstrated the capacity to reduce AST, ALT, and liver fat content in NAFLD patients by regulating intestinal flora.…”

Unraveling the treatment effects of huanglian jiedu decoction on drug-induced liver injury based on network pharmacology, molecular docking and experimental validation

“…Specifically, many drugs used for fever and pain relief contain Acetaminophen (APAP) as their active ingredients, which can cause acute liver failures or even death if taken in excessive amounts without supervision [3]. This is also a common chemical substance used for studying drug-induced liver injury in mice [4,5]. Currently, the only drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for treating DILI is N-Acetylcysteine.…”