Four Herbs Scientifically Confirmed As Hepatoprotective Agents

Hepatoprotective agents mitigate damage to the liver caused by hepatotoxins

, such as alcohol, drugs, industrial chemicals, copper, iron, arsenic and other foreign substances. A consistent overload of hepatotoxins can cause chronic liver disorders. For centuries, practitioners of the three traditional Indian systems of medicine-Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani-believed in the hepatoprotective properties of herbs to treat liver disorders.

In traditional Indian medicine, there are several hundred herbal preparations incorporating nearly 90 Indian medicinal plants to treat hepatotoxic liver diseases. However, only four plants have been scientifically evaluated in accordance with internationally accepted scientific protocols to determine whether they are in fact, hepatoprotective agents.

-Silybum marianum or Milk Thistle

Indian researchers investigated the protective effects of milk thistle extracts on thioacetamide-induced liver toxicity in rats. Thioacetamide is a carcinogenic chemical. Researchers injected milk thistle extracts and thioacetamide into rats. Liver enzymes and bilirubin in the rats injected with the milk thistle extracts and thioacetamide decreased significantly compared to a group of rats that was treated with only thioacetamide. These findings suggested that the protective effects of milk thistle extracts on liver cells are due to the presence of flavonoids and their antioxidants.

-Glycyrrhiza glabra or Licorice

Licorice contains glycyrrhizin, a hepatoprotective compound. Japanese research studies have shown glycyrrhizin to be an antiviral agent and a therapy for liver disease. Results of experimental studies on rats with hepatitis and cirrhosis indicated that glycyrrhizin can promote liver cell regeneration and inhibit fibrosis. Licorice can ease liver inflammation and restore liver structure and function from damage caused by carbon tetrachloride.

-Picrorhiza kurroa

Picrorhiza has long been part of Ayurvedic medicine to treat liver disorders. Indian researchers found certain compounds in Picrorhiza to have significant hepatoprotective properties. These findings were based on experiments on rats with liver injuries induced by monocrotaline and carbon tetrachloride, two toxic substances.

Researchers also found Picrorhiza to be a potent enhancer of liver bile production, which is important to the body's ability to break down toxins and excrete them. Picrorhiza was also found to be effective in aiding recovery from acute hepatitis. The existing literature suggests that Picrorhiza is a powerful modulator of the immune system and not an antiviral drug for liver diseases.

-Phyllanthus amarus

Indian researchers found antiviral properties in this plant against the hepatitis B and C viruses. Researchers also found P. amarus to reduce cell toxicity in rats with liver injuries induced by carbon tetrachloride and galactosamine. Extensive studies have confirmed that P. amarus has hepatoprotective, immune-enhancing and anti-inflammatory properties.

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There are many herbal formulations on the market using all kinds of plants to support liver health, relieve symptoms and cure liver disorders. However, because a majority of these products lack scientific pharmacological validation, they should not be taken to treat liver disorders without physician approval. Although there are little or no adverse side effects to the herbs discussed here, they should not be taken by people who are already taking conventional drugs without first consulting a physician who can eliminate the possibility of adverse drug interactions.

Copyright (c) 2012 Lizzie Simmonds

by: Lizzie Simmonds

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