Phytotherapy in chronic liver diseases

T. E. Polunina

doi:10.21518/ms2025-382

Phytotherapy in chronic liver diseases

T. E. Polunina

https://doi.org/10.21518/ms2025-382

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Abstract

The liver is involved in the metabolism and detoxification of xenobiotics, as well as in maintaining homeostasis. Impaired liver function has been linked with diseases such as alcoholic liver disease, metabolically associated fatty liver disease, hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Drug-induced liver injury remains a significant challenge. These liver diseases are collectively responsible for the significant mortality worldwide. Although traditional treatments help control symptoms and slow down the progression of liver diseases, they are frequently hindered by issues such as drug resistance and side effects. The treatment of liver diseases with herbal medicinal products offers a way for addressing these limitations, as numerous plant-based medicines exhibit hepatoprotective properties due to their bioactive compounds, such as alkaloids, glycosides, and flavonoids. These natural agents not only mitigate liver injury, but also stimulate immune processes that underlie the treatment of chronic diseases. This article examines the hepatobiliary injury mechanisms and highlights the therapeutic potential of traditionally used medicinal plants in treating and preventing the liver diseases. Published evidence on the therapeutic properties of herbal medicinal products show the importance of the integration of traditional medical knowledge with modern advancements, particularly in the areas of hepatoprotection, immunomodulation, and the treatment of chronic liver diseases. This article was aimed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of herbal medicinal products as part of the complex treatment of major liver diseases. The article explores the biological activity of individual herbal medicinal products, identifies their biologically active compounds, and determines the pathways by which they mitigate liver injury.

Keywords

metabolic-associated liver disease, alcoholic liver disease, herbal medicinal products, flavonoids, silymarin

About the Author

T. E. Polunina

Russian University of Medicine (ROSUNIMED)
Россия

Tatiana E. Polunina - Dr. Sci. (Med.), Professor of the Department of Propaedeutics of Internal Diseases and Gastroenterology, Russian University of Medicine (ROSUNIMED).

4, Dolgorukovskaya St., Moscow, 127006

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Review

For citations:

Polunina TE. Phytotherapy in chronic liver diseases. Meditsinskiy sovet = Medical Council. 2025;(15):139-147. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.21518/ms2025-382

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