Herbal Folklore Medication for Liver Disorders

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.