Natural Hepatoprotective Agents: A Systematic Review of Plant-Based Therapies

AbstractLiver diseases remain a major global health burden, driven by factors such as alcohol consumption, viral infections, drug-induced toxicity, and metabolic disorders. Conventional pharmacological treatments are often limited by adverse effects, high costs, and variable efficacy, prompting growing interest in plant-based alternatives. This systematic review aims to evaluate the hepatoprotective potential of medicinal plants and their bioactive constituents, with a focus on mechanisms of action, preclinical and clinical evidence, and therapeutic relevance. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across major scientific databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, selecting studies that investigated plant-derived extracts or compounds with demonstrated liver-protective activity. such as Silybum marianum, Curcuma longa, Phyllanthus niruri, and Andrographis paniculata, exhibit significant hepatoprotective effects. These effects are primarily mediated through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, and detoxification pathways, including modulation of oxidative stress markers, cytokine production, and hepatic enzyme activity. Additionally, certain phytochemicals, such as flavonoids, terpenoids, and polyphenols, play a crucial role in liver regeneration and cellular protection. Despite promising preclinical data, clinical validation remains limited and heterogeneous. plant-based therapies represent a valuable and promising approach for hepatoprotection, offering potential complementary or alternative strategies in the management of liver disorders. Keywords Antioxidant, Cirrhosis, Hepatoprotection, Liver function, Metabolic disorders