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  2. Volume 2 | Issue 1 [January to March]
  3. HEPATOPROTECTIVE AYURVEDIC HERBS: TRADITIONAL INSIGHTS AND MODERN PHARMACOLOGICAL VALIDATION – AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW
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Dr. Jalpa Gandhi

HEPATOPROTECTIVE AYURVEDIC HERBS: TRADITIONAL INSIGHTS AND MODERN PHARMACOLOGICAL VALIDATION – AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Introduction: Liver diseases are a major global health concern, including viral hepatitis, alcohol-induced liver injury, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and drug-induced hepatotoxicity. Ayurveda describes several Yakrit Poshaka and Hepatoprotective Rasayana herbs that promote liver function and prevent hepatic damage. Modern pharmacology has begun validating these claims, providing mechanistic insights. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Google Scholar, along with classical Ayurvedic texts (Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Bhavaprakasha Nighantu). Studies from 1950–2025 were included. Inclusion criteria were preclinical, pharmacological, and clinical studies on Ayurvedic hepatoprotective agents. Exclusion criteria included anecdotal reports, duplicates, and low-quality studies. Results: Classical texts identify herbs such as Phyllanthus niruri (Bhumyamalaki), Andrographis paniculata (Kalmegh), Picrorhiza kurroa (Kutki), Terminalia chebula (Haritaki), Tinospora cordifolia (Guduchi), and Curcuma longa (Haridra) as hepatoprotective. Phytochemical studies reveal flavonoids, phenolics, terpenoids, alkaloids, and curcuminoids as bioactive constituents. Preclinical studies demonstrate antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifibrotic, and anti-apoptotic actions. Clinical trials support improvements in liver enzyme levels, viral hepatitis outcomes, and protection against drug-induced hepatotoxicity. Discussion: Ayurvedic principles of liver nourishment and detoxification align with modern evidence of hepatoprotection via antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and regenerative mechanisms. Limitations include heterogeneity of extracts, small sample sizes, and variability in standardization. Conclusion: Ayurvedic hepatoprotective herbs offer a scientifically validated, multi-targeted approach to liver health. Standardized formulations and large-scale trials can facilitate their integration into contemporary hepatology.

KEYWORDS: Andrographis paniculata, Ayurveda, Hepatoprotection, Phyllanthus niruri, Tinospora cordifolia