A review of natural products with hepatoprotective activity

TLDR: The present work constitutes a review of the literature on plant extracts and chemically defined molecules of natural origin with hepatoprotective activity and intends to aid researchers in the study of natural products useful in the treatment of liver diseases.

Abstract: Liver diseases are a major worldwide health problem, with high endemicity in developing countries. They are mainly caused by chemicals and some drugs when taken in very high doses. Despite advances in modern medicine, there is no effective drug available that stimulates liver function, offer protection to the liver from damage or help to regenerate hepatic cells. There is urgent need, therefore, for effective drugs to replace/supplement those in current use. The plant kingdom is undoubtedly valuable as a source of new medicinal agents. The present work constitutes a review of the literature on plant extracts and chemically defined molecules of natural origin with hepatoprotective activity. The review shows 107 plants, their families, geographical distribution, plant parts utilized, type of assay and inducer of liver damage. It also includes 58 compounds isolated from higher plants, classified into appropriate chemical groups. This work intends to aid researchers in the study of natural products useful in the treatment of liver diseases.   Key words: Liver, liver disease, hepatoprotective activity, natural products.