Hepatoprotective Effect of Some Medicinal Plants and Herbs against Hepatic Disorders Induced by Hepatotoxic Agents

The liver is a vital organ in the body. It plays a major role in metabolism, including ridding the body of substances that would otherwise be injurious if allowed to accumulate, and excretion of xenobiotics from the body. The endogenous antioxidants defenses from reactive oxygen species are strengthened by natural antioxidants and restore the optimal balance by neutralizing reactive species. The present study aims to highlight on hepatotoxic agents, and prevention of hepatic disorders using Curcuma longa, Trigonella foenumgraecum, Allium sativum, Coffea arabica, Petroselinum crispum, Olea europaea leaves, and Mentha piperita. Curcuma longa showed that hepatoprotective effect against hepatotoxicity induced by paracetamol, diethyl nitrosamine, CCl4, and gentamicin. Also, the hepatoprotective effect of Trigonella foenumgraecum seeds has been elucidated against hepatic disorders induced by γ-radiation, monosodium glutamate, ethanol, CCl4, AlCl3, and diabetes. Allium sativum has been used in the treatment of hepatic disorders. The hepatoprotective effect of Allium sativum has been confirmed against oxidative damage and hepatic toxicity of D-galactosamine, lipopolysaccharide, ethanol, and CCl4, which may be due to the presence of organosulfur compounds. Coffea arabica intake has been inversely related to the incidence of liver diseases. Petroselinum crispum showed a hepatoprotective effect against hepatic disorders induced by CCl4 and diabetes, which may be due to their high content of antioxidants. The leaves of Mentha piperita showed a good hepatoprotection against hepatopathy induced arsenic, anti-tuberculosis drugs, and CCl4 which may be due to their high content of phenolics and flavonoids. Olea europaea leaves extract significantly ameliorated pathophysiological changes induced in the liver by diazinon, carbendazim, and γirradiation in rats. It can be concluded that administration of Curcuma longa, Trigonella foenumgraecum, Allium sativum, Coffea arabica, Petroselinum crispum, Olea europaea leaves, and Mentha piperita showed a remarkable hepatic protection against hepatotoxic agents, which may be due to its antioxidant properties of these medicinal plants and herbs. So, Human expose to hepatotoxic agents and the patients with hepatic disorders should be advised to take these medicinal plants and herbs.

Keywords: Hepatotoxicity, Hepatoprotective, Curcumin, Fenugreek, Coffee, Garlic, Parsley, Peppermint, Olive leaves.