The potential protective effects of selected medicinal plants on liver function and integrity

Abstract

The use of herbal plants or their preparations in the management of various diseases including liver diseases has been practiced for several decades and its extension in current dispensation is recognized. It has been shown that the effect of medicinal plants is somehow related to belief, tradition and culture of the community. The correct usage and dosage of each medicinal plant as recommended by the traditional practitioner or as supported by scientific evidence for the specific disease/ailment is believed to be related to the anticipated benefits. Liver diseases form significant causes of morbidity and mortality in humans and animals globally. Therefore a healthy liver is important for the overall health and wellbeing of both humans and animals. Different studies have reported on the anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of various medicinal plants in various animal models. However, this review examines the hepato-protective potentials of selected medicinal plants.

Keywords: Vernonia amygdalina, essential oil, Vitamin E, Rutin, antioxidant, reactive oxygen species