Hepatic disorders: current insights, therapeutic challenges, and the role of hepatoprotective flora from North Maharashtra

Objective The present review highlights the important pathogenic mechanisms involved in the development of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and assesses the liver protective effects of specific medicinal plants available in North Maharashtra. Key findings Liver diseases continue to be a major global health concern, caused by factors such as metabolic imbalance, infections, toxic exposures, and autoimmune conditions. Among them, MASLD has emerged as the most common chronic liver disorder, progressing from simple fat accumulation in the liver to more severe conditions like fibrosis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. The disease is mainly driven by oxidative stress, inflammation, and disturbances in lipid metabolism, which gradually damage liver cells. Several medicinal plants, including Butea monosperma , Phyllanthus amarus , Tinospora cordifolia , and Ziziphus jujuba , have shown promising protective effects. Their bioactive compounds help reduce oxidative stress, control inflammation, and support the restoration of normal liver function. Conclusion Medicinal plants from North Maharashtra represent promising multi-target therapeutic agents for the management of MASLD and related liver disorders. However, further well-designed preclinical and clinical studies are required to validate their efficacy, safety, and translational potential.