Herbal flavonoids in treatment of hepatic diseases

a review

| Posted in: Health Sciences Science Journals

Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Herbal flavonoids in treatment of hepatic diseases
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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Subtitle: a review

Original source:

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Author:

Ammaarah Fatima Ahmed, Sobiya Fatima and Asif Rasheed


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World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:

(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)

Full text available for: Herbal flavonoids in treatment of hepatic diseases

Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research

Doi: 10.20959/wjpr20196-14336

Copyright (license): WJPR: All rights reserved


Summary of article contents:

1) Introduction

The liver is a critical organ in the human body responsible for a myriad of essential functions, including metabolism, detoxification, protein synthesis, and storage of nutrients. Hepatic diseases encompass a range of conditions affecting the liver's cells and functions, and they pose significant health risks worldwide. This review focuses on the role of herbal flavonoids in the prevention and treatment of various hepatic diseases, highlighting their sources, functions, and mechanisms of action. Flavonoids are plant-derived compounds recognized for their health benefits, particularly in addressing oxidative stress and inflammation.

2) The Role of Flavonoids in Hepatic Diseases

Flavonoids are a diverse group of secondary metabolites found in various fruits and vegetables, classified into several categories such as anthocyanidins, flavones, and flavonols. They have been shown to exert significant health benefits, particularly in mitigating various health issues, including liver diseases. For example, rutin, a widely studied flavonoid, is obtained from sources like citrus fruits and green tea; it has applications in treating conditions such as cancer and hemorrhoids. The diverse nature of flavonoids indicates their potential as therapeutic agents against liver-related ailments.

3) Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is a significant and growing health concern characterized by an abnormal build-up of fat in liver cells not attributable to alcohol consumption. The disease may lead to inflammation, cellular injury, and progressive liver damage, manifesting symptoms such as jaundice and fluid accumulation. Flavonoids like curcumin and resveratrol are encountered in foods such as turmeric and red grapes, demonstrating hepatoprotective effects. These compounds help mitigate the oxidative stress inflicted during the disease's progression and have potential in its treatment and prevention.

4) Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) and Herbal Treatments

Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is another critical hepatic issue, often leading to chronic liver inflammation and potential liver failure. Conventional treatment can involve severe measures such as liver transplant, but herbal compounds like silymarin from milk thistle present promising alternatives. Silymarin is noted for its ability to inhibit HCV replication and exhibit anti-inflammatory effects, suggesting it may offer protective benefits for the liver. This highlights the growing body of evidence supporting the efficacy of herbal medicines in combating viral liver diseases.

5) Conclusion

In summary, the research presented indicates that herbal flavonoids possess substantial potential for the prevention and treatment of liver diseases due to their antioxidant properties and mechanisms targeting oxidative stress. The various classes of flavonoids, alongside their specific sources and uses, underline a significant area of study within herbal medicine. Future research is essential to standardize and fully identify the active components in these herbal products for clinical application. The integration of traditional herbal treatments with modern medicine may offer an effective strategy for managing liver disorders and enhancing liver health.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What are the essential functions of the liver?

The liver performs many vital functions, including metabolism, detoxification, storing nutrients, protein synthesis, and producing biochemicals essential for digestion.

What types of hepatic diseases are commonly recognized?

Common hepatic diseases include hepatic cancer, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, and hepatic fibrosis.

How do flavonoids contribute to liver health?

Flavonoids have antioxidant properties and may protect the liver through cell signaling pathways, helping to prevent liver damage and support healing.

What are some dietary sources rich in flavonoids?

Dietary sources of flavonoids include fruits like berries, citrus fruits, green tea, cocoa, and various herbs such as broccoli and parsley.

What is the significance of herbal flavonoids in liver disease treatment?

Herbal flavonoids show potential in preventing and treating liver diseases due to their ability to combat oxidative stress and modulate inflammatory responses.

What further research is needed regarding herbal flavonoids?

Further research is required to identify, characterize, and standardize the active ingredients in herbal flavonoids for effective treatment of liver diseases.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Herbal flavonoids in treatment of hepatic diseases”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Disease:
Diseases encompass a broad category of health conditions that can affect any part of the body, leading to disturbances in normal bodily functions. The study highlights multiple hepatic diseases including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, alcoholic liver disease, and liver cancer, emphasizing the importance of understanding their mechanisms for effective treatment.

2) Medicine:
Medicines are substances used for diagnosing, treating, or preventing disease. The review discusses various herbal and pharmaceutical medicines that target hepatic diseases, illustrating the importance of understanding the efficacy and mechanisms of these agents to enhance treatment protocols.

3) Flavonoid:
Flavonoids are a diverse group of secondary metabolites produced by plants, known for their antioxidant properties and health benefits. They play a significant role in the prevention and treatment of hepatic diseases, with various classes such as flavonols and flavones being researched for their hepatoprotective effects.

4) Cancer:
Cancer denotes a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. Hepatic cancer, which affects the liver, has various treatment options including herbal interventions and conventional methods, emphasizing the critical need for research into safer and effective therapeutic agents.

5) Blood:
Blood is a vital fluid in the body responsible for transporting oxygen, nutrients, and waste products throughout. Its role in liver function, especially concerning hepatic diseases, includes metabolism regulation and acting as a medium for drug distribution and detoxification processes.

6) Drug:
Drugs are compounds utilized for therapeutic purposes, aimed at preventing or treating medical conditions. The exploration of both synthetic and herbal drugs in the review illustrates their significance in managing hepatic diseases, highlighting the importance of understanding their interactions and effectiveness.

7) Science (Scientific):
Scientific refers to knowledge gained through systematic observation, experimentation, and analysis. The paper emphasizes the need for rigorous scientific research to validate traditional practices in treating hepatic diseases, supporting the integration of herbal remedies in modern medicine.

8) Sign:
A sign is an objective indication of a condition or disease, often observed during examination. In hepatic diseases, signs may include jaundice or abdominal swelling, which play a vital role in diagnosis and treatment planning, facilitating the identification of the disease's severity.

9) Phytochemical:
Phytochemicals are bioactive compounds found in plants known for their potential health benefits. The review focuses on various phytochemicals, especially flavonoids, and their role in developing therapeutic strategies against hepatic diseases, highlighting the importance of plant-based compounds in health.

10) Family:
Family in a biological context refers to a group of related plant species that share common characteristics. Understanding the family of plants from which flavonoids are derived is crucial for exploring their therapeutic potential in treating liver diseases.

11) Bile:
Bile is a digestive fluid produced by the liver essential for fat digestion and absorption. Its production and regulation are significantly affected in various hepatic diseases, emphasizing the liver's crucial role in maintaining digestive health.

12) Milk:
Milk is a nutrient-rich liquid produced by mammals, containing essential nutrients beneficial for health. In context, milk thistle, derived from the plant Silybum marianum, is highlighted for its protective effects on the liver, showcasing the significance of dairy in herbal medicine.

13) Viru:
Viru typically refers to viruses, which are infectious agents capable of causing disease. The paper discusses Hepatitis C virus (HCV) within the context of liver diseases, highlighting the significance of understanding viral infections in hepatic pathologies.

14) Curcuma longa:
Curcuma longa, commonly known as turmeric, is a flowering plant whose rhizomes are widely used as a spice and for their medicinal properties. Its active compound, curcumin, has been shown to possess hepatoprotective properties, making it relevant in treating liver diseases.

15) Chemotherapy:
Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells or stop their growth. In the review, the implications of chemotherapy in treating hepatic cancer are addressed, emphasizing the need for integrated approaches in managing liver cancers.

16) Turmeric:
Turmeric, derived from Curcuma longa, is a spice known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Its potential as a hepatoprotective agent is highlighted in the review, showcasing its application in liver disease prevention and treatment.

17) Swelling:
Swelling refers to an abnormal enlargement of a body part due to inflammation or fluid accumulation. In hepatic diseases, swelling, especially in the abdomen, serves as a critical clinical sign and requires careful monitoring and management.

18) Bleeding:
Bleeding is the loss of blood from the circulatory system. In hepatic diseases, it can occur due to liver dysfunction affecting blood clotting, making it a significant concern that healthcare providers need to address during treatment.

19) India:
India is a country known for its rich biodiversity and traditional medicine practices. The research originates from India, emphasizing the exploration of local herbal resources in treating liver diseases and the integration of traditional knowledge with modern scientific inquiry.

20) Vena:
Vena refers to a vein, an essential part of the circulatory system transporting blood toward the heart. The hepatic veins play a crucial role in liver function, influencing overall health and the treatment of hepatic diseases.

21) Diet:
Diet refers to the types of food consumed by an individual and is critical for health maintenance. A healthy diet rich in phytochemicals, including flavonoids, is discussed as a preventive measure for liver diseases, highlighting the importance of nutrition in overall liver health.

22) Rich (Rch):
Rich generally signifies a plentiful supply of a substance. In the context of the review, it describes plants that are abundant in flavonoids and other beneficial compounds, emphasizing their potential for liver disease prevention and treatment.

23) Pain:
Pain refers to an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience often associated with damage or potential damage to the body. In hepatic diseases, pain may manifest in the abdomen, necessitating effective management strategies as part of comprehensive care.

24) Pharmacology:
Pharmacology is the study of drugs, their properties, and their effects on biological systems. The review highlights the importance of pharmacological research in understanding how herbal flavonoids can serve in treating hepatic diseases, integrating traditional knowledge with modern science.

25) Accumulation (Accumulating, Accumulate):
Accumulation refers to the gradual gathering of substances in the body. In the context of liver diseases, the accumulation of fats or toxins can lead to conditions such as fatty liver disease, highlighting the need for appropriate management strategies.

26) Inflammation:
Inflammation is the body's response to injury or infection, characterized by swelling, redness, and pain. In the context of hepatic diseases, chronic inflammation can contribute to liver damage, emphasizing the importance of anti-inflammatory therapies in treatment protocols.

27) Vomiting:
Vomiting is the forceful expulsion of stomach contents through the mouth, often a sign of distress. In hepatic diseases, vomiting can indicate underlying conditions such as liver dysfunction, making it a relevant symptom in clinical assessments.

28) Relative:
Relative signifies a connection or relationship to something. In the review, relative comparisons of different treatments for hepatic diseases are made to highlight the effectiveness of herbal versus conventional remedies in managing liver health.

29) Channel:
A channel represents a specific route for substance movement. In the context of liver function, the hepatic channels are crucial for normal bile secretion and metabolism, underscoring the liver’s role in digestion and regulation.

30) Species:
Species refers to a group of organisms that can interbreed. In the context of the study, the focus on specific plant species rich in flavonoids illustrates the need to understand biodiversity in the search for herbal treatments for liver diseases.

31) Mineral:
Minerals are inorganic nutrients essential for various bodily functions. The review discusses the importance of minerals in overall health, including their role in supporting proper liver function, highlighting the need for a balanced intake through diet.

32) Nausea:
Nausea refers to the sensation of an urge to vomit, often a symptom of underlying conditions. In hepatic diseases, nausea can be indicative of liver dysfunction, making it an important symptom for clinicians to monitor during patient evaluations.

33) Bitter:
Bitter describes a taste sensation often associated with certain plants. Some bitter herbs have been used for their medicinal properties, including their potential hepatoprotective effects, highlighting the relevance of taste in herbal medicine.

34) Thirst:
Thirst is the sensation prompting the desire to drink fluids. In the context of liver diseases, increased thirst can be a symptom of several conditions, including liver dysfunctions, which may lead to fluid imbalances that require medical attention.

35) Death:
Death signifies the cessation of biological functions that sustain life. In the study of hepatic diseases, understanding the causes of mortality related to liver failure emphasizes the importance of prevention, timely diagnosis, and intervention strategies.

36) Lemon:
Lemon is a citrus fruit often noted for its sour taste and high vitamin C content. Its utility in herbal medicine, especially as a source of beneficial phytochemicals, shows its relevance in promoting liver health and combating diseases.

37) Crop:
A crop is a specific plant grown and harvested. In the context of liver health, certain crops rich in beneficial compounds are emphasized, illustrating the significance of agriculture in promoting dietary interventions for disease prevention.

Other Science Concepts:

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Herbal flavonoids in treatment of hepatic diseases’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Signs and symptoms, Preventive measure, Oxidative stress, Alcoholic liver disease, Pathophysiology, Economic burden, Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, Traditional herbal medicine, Mechanism of action, Liver cancer, Hepatitis C virus, Biochemical parameter, Dietary source, Research needs, Hepatic disease, Hepatic fibrosis.

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