THE USE OF PLANT-DERIVED HEPATOPROTECTIVE AGENTS IN THE TREAT-MENT OF LIVER DISEASES

Abstract

Hepatoprotectors are medicinal agents that enhance the liver’s resistance to pathological factors and restore its functions in various types of damage. Plant-derived hepatoprotectors exhibit membrane-stabilizing, antioxidant, regenerative, detoxifying, choleretic, and anti-inflammatory effects to protect hepatocytes from injury. The most commonly used plant-based hepatoprotectors include preparations of milk thistle (silymarin), extracts of globe artichoke (Cynara scolymus), and combined formulations such as Hepabene (manufactured by Merckle GmbH/Ratiopharm International GmbH, Germany), Levasil (manufactured by Mepha Ltd, Switzerland), and Holiver (manufactured by Hau Giang Pharmaceutical Joint-Stock Company MG Pharm, Vietnam), among others.