PJB-2018-514
HEPATOPROTECTIVE AGENTS FROM DIVERSE NATURAL SOURCES
Dr. Muhammad Asif
Abstract
Being a vital organ, liver has an important role in regulation of physical processes and is a prime site for extensive metabolism of xenobiotics in the body. Thus, for physical well-being, it should be in good health. On daily basis it is exposed to toxicants including alcohol, microbes, free radicals and variety of chemotherapeutic agents like acetaminophen, thioacetamide, carbon tetrachloride, anti-tubercular, anti-hypertensive agents etc. Hepatotoxicity is critical issue associated with many established drugs and surprisingly different classes of drug induce toxicity by diverse mechanisms. Currently there is no approved treatment regimen for hepatotoxicity by US Food and Drug Administration. Recent studies have shown that phytochemicals can hamper hepatotoxicity of xenobiotics through different mechanisms. Keeping in view the great potential of natural sources, current review was designed to compile published information about hepatoprotective agents obtained from diverse natural sources. Moreover, data of various plants in clinical trials is also reviewed. The exact protective mechanism of the plants is still unknown but mostly they improve liver health by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. Further studies are still need to establish activity of majority of these natural agents using series of in vitro and in vivo experiments. Detailed toxicological and pharmacokinetic studies are other aspects to be studied before commencement of human trials.
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