A Comprehensive Review of the Hepatoprotective Activity of Medicinal Plants Used in Pakistani Folk Medicine

Abstract

Pakistan possesses a vast array of flora, with extensive utilization of both cultivated and uncultivated plants in traditional medicine for the treatment of various ailments. Plant-based therapies are efficacious in treating several illnesses. These medications are frequently misused or abused without scientific justification. Liver illnesses have attracted significant attention among numerous conditions throughout the past decade. These represent some of the most critical global health challenges. Liver cell damage is induced by several toxic substances, including tetrachloride of carbon, thioacetamide, certain chemotherapeutic drugs, excessive alcohol use, and some microorganisms. An urgent necessity exists for efficacious natural therapies to address diverse hepatic disorders. This research seeks to compile data on phytonutrients from plants utilized in Pakistani folklore that have been evaluated for hepatoprotective potential using animal models. They have been assessed by evaluating several parameters, including liver indicators (AST, ALT, ALP, total protein, serum albumin, and bilirubin) and doing histological analysis. This study reviews 82 herbs for their hepato-protective properties. These Pakistani plants may provide an innovative treatment for liver problems. Additional research is required to develop effective and clean pharmaceuticals with a precise mechanism of action.