Phytotherapy and Liver Functions Overview

Study Notes

Phytotherapy is the use of plant-derived substances for treating diseases.
This presentation discusses herbal remedies for liver conditions and viral infections.

Blood from the stomach and intestines passes through the liver, where nutrients are processed.
The liver metabolizes drugs.
More than 500 vital functions are related to the liver.
Key liver functions listed include:
- Producing bile—helps digest fat.
- Producing proteins for blood plasma.
- Producing cholesterol and proteins for fat transport.
- Converting glucose to glycogen for storage and regulating blood sugar levels.
- Regulating amino acids–building blocks of protein.
- Processing hemoglobin to extract iron, storing it.
- Converting ammonia to urea for excretion.
- Filtering and removing toxins and drugs from the blood.
- Regulating blood clotting.

Hepatitis is a clinical syndrome marked by issues with the liver.
Acute viral hepatitis (AVH) is the most common cause.
The prevalence of AVH varies by country (20-40% in developed, 80-100% in developing).
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease.
NAFLD involves a range of liver damage, from simple fat accumulation to cirrhosis and liver cancer.
NAFLD is projected to be the principal factor in liver transplantation by 2020.
NAFLD is prevalent in those with metabolic diseases (obesity, type 2 diabetes).

Silymarin is a plant extract traditionally used for treating acute and chronic hepatitis, inflammation, and cirrhosis.
It is derived from the seeds of milk thistle.
Active constituents are silybin, isosilybin, silychristin, and silydianin.
A 2009 study demonstrated that Silymarin (Legalon®) improved symptoms in acute hepatitis (biliary retention and jaundice), in patients with high ALT levels.

Dandelion has traditionally been used in Asia and Russia for treating chronic liver diseases.
Dandelion exhibits anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective properties in lab settings (in vitro).
Results from animal experiments suggest its effectiveness against chronic liver conditions.
Active constituents include terpenoids and sterols.
Dandelion helps reduce liver toxins and inflammation.

A 2022 study on women with NAFLD showed licorice root improved liver function (ALT), insulin resistance, and liver fat accumulation markers.
The active constituent glycyrrhizin is thought to ameliorate insulin resistance and oxidative stress.

A 2015 study showed that flaxseed consumption in individuals with NAFLD improved liver enzyme levels, liver fat accumulation, and insulin resistance.
Flaxseed's n-3 fatty acids can potentially reduce arachidonic acid-derived inflammation and block hepatic fat build-up.

A 2018 systematic review showed a benefit of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) against liver fat, liver enzymes, triglycerides, and insulin resistance.
ω-3PUFAs reduce liver fat build-up and inflammation.

Artichoke extract consumption in a 2018 study contributed to decreased liver size, reduced liver enzymes, and bilirubin.
This extract reduced cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, other LDL components, and triglycerides levels.
Artichoke is effective in protecting liver cells, with its compounds (cynarin, cyanidin, luteolin, cynaroside).

A 2018 study revealed that turmeric consumption for 8 weeks significantly decreased liver enzymes (AST, ALT, GGT).
Curcumin, a key compound in turmeric, has potent anti-inflammatory properties.

Traditional remedies, like black seed and ginger, demonstrated potential antiviral activity in 2013 study on HCV patients.
These extracts and their combined effect reduced viral load and liver damage markers.
Other plant compounds, like glycyrrhizin, artemisinin, and green tea catechins, showed antiviral effects concerning several viruses (including hepatitis C, herpes, influenza).

Coffee may have potential health benefits.
A recent large-scale study showed inverse correlations between coffee consumption and death related to numerous causes.
Other studies point to a link between coffee drinking and a decreased risk of heart disease and metabolic syndrome.
Studies show an inverse association between coffee consumption and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), both in the presence and absence of HCV.
A meta-analysis indicated that consuming coffee could reduce risk of NAFLD and liver fibrosis for individuals already diagnosed.

Different plant extracts target various aspects of liver health.
Herbal therapies alongside conventional treatments might offer additional benefits.
Specific mechanisms of action for different plants are listed (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, etc.)
Important information includes potential dosages, duration of treatments, and relevant studies for each medicinal plant.