Title:Herbal Folklore Medication for Liver Disorders
Volume: 7
Issue: 3
Author(s): Sonia Singh*, Meenakshi Bajpai and Pradeep Mishra
Affiliation:
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, GLA University, 17km Stone, NH-2, Mathura-Delhi Road Mathura, Chaumuhan, Uttar Pradesh-281406,India
Keywords:
Traditional medicine, hepatoprotection, liver disease, herbs, antioxidants, phytochemical.
Abstract: The liver is one of the most essential and largest organ for numerous biochemical reactions
and metabolism in the human body. The major function of the liver is detoxification of toxic
substances and the production of some important biomolecules. Liver injury or damage may result
from chronic alcohol intake or Hepatitis, a genetic-induced metabolic disease. Many reasons are associated
with liver damage, such as necrosis, fibrosis, increase in the lipid peroxidation of tissue
and decrease in the glutathione level. Naturally occurring antioxidants are present in several components
and are classified as secondary plant metabolites, e.g. polyphenols such as phenolic acids and
flavonoids, and terpenoids such as carotenoids. Consumption of food products containing these
compounds seems to play an important role in prophylaxis against various diseases. Available evidence
indicates that the bioactive components derived from herbs have potential hepatoprotective
agents. Herbal medicines have become more acceptable compared to synthetic drugs since 65% of
patients in European countries depend on herbal remedies for the treatment and prevention of liver
diseases. However, standardisation and pharmaco-vigilance concerning herbal products still lack
evidence to substantiate their effective usage in liver disorders. This brief review has been framed
systematically to collect maximum information of herbs, claiming the treatment of liver diseases,
including their botanical names, traditional uses, and some of their detailed scientific evidence in
various journals. The current literature study may be helpful in the formulation of novel herbal
medicines to treat hepatic disorders.
