Abstract

The liver is a vital organ responsible for detoxification, metabolism, and the regulation of numerous physiological 
processes, yet it is highly susceptible to damage from toxins, drugs, and oxidative stress. Conventional therapies 
for hepatic diseases remain limited, expensive, and often associated with adverse effects, thereby stimulating 
interest in medicinal plants as alternative hepatoprotective agents. This narrative review synthesizes 
ethnobotanical, pharmacological, and experimental evidence on widely used hepatoprotective plants such as 
Silybum marianum, Curcuma longa, Zingiber officinale, Cynara scolymus, and Taraxacum officinale. Their 
bioactive phytochemicals, including flavonoids, terpenoids, phenols, and alkaloids, demonstrate mechanisms of 
action such as antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory effects, inhibition of hepatic fibrosis, stimulation of liver 
regeneration, and modulation of xenobiotic metabolism. Preclinical studies confirm significant protective effects 
against hepatotoxins, while limited clinical trials suggest tolerable safety profiles. Despite their promise, 
challenges remain regarding toxicity, herb–drug interactions, standardization, and regulatory frameworks. This 
review highlights the therapeutic potential of hepatoprotective medicinal plants as cost-effective alternatives and a 
source of novel compounds, underscoring the need for rigorous clinical validation, safety profiling, and integration 
into evidence-based hepatology.