Abstract

Role of Plants as Hepatoprotective Agents �?�?�?�?�?�?�?�?- A Brief Review

Author(s): Hemishi Patel, Shreya Desai and Krishnamurthy R

Medicinal plants have been playing a key role in maintaining human health since ancient times. Liver is a vital organ play a major role in metabolism and excretion of xenobiotics from the body. Liver diseases are among the most serious and are a challenge to modern medical practitioners. Historically, several plants have been utilized for treating a number of liver disorders, particularly chronic hepatitis C and alcohol-induced liver disease. In recent years, researchers have focused on the efficacy of plants used traditionally by indigenous healers and herbalists. Many common liver diseases can cause the organ to become inflamed. This inflammation can progress to scarring or cirrhosis. The review covers the multipurpose medicinal uses of some plants species which act as hepatoprotective agents. The whole plant and plant parts are being utilized in herbal medications. The herbs have shown a potential of reversing liver damage caused by a number of hepatotoxic compounds.