Abstract
Liver diseases, such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), significantly contribute to global mortality rates, with increasing cases associated with hepatitis viruses, alcohol-related liver disease, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Conventional treatments often encounter limitations due to side effects, high costs, and incomplete efficacy, highlighting the need for alternative therapeutic strategies. Phytotherapy, which utilizes bioactive plant compounds (e.g., flavonoids, polyphenols, and alkaloids), offers a promising approach due to its hepatoprotective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fibrotic properties. These multi-targeted actions effectively address oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis while promoting liver regeneration. A critical aspect of liver disease pathogenesis is the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), which drive fibrosis through the deposition of extracellular matrix. Targeting HSCs-by inhibiting the TGF-β/Smad and PI3K/Akt pathways—has shown promise in reversing fibrosis in preclinical studies. Recent advancements highlight the synergy between phytotherapy and HSC-targeted strategies, with traditional herbal formulations proving effective in suppressing HSC activation and alleviating liver damage. Despite these encouraging results, challenges persist, including the standardization of herbal extracts, clinical validation, and a deeper understanding of HSC heterogeneity. Emerging technologies, such as CRISPR-Cas9 and nanoparticle delivery systems, may enhance precision in HSC modulation. The integration of phytotherapy with conventional medicine has the potential to revolutionize liver disease management, especially in resource-limited settings. Continued research and robust clinical trials are crucial to translating these findings into safe and effective therapies, offering hope for reducing the global burden of liver diseases.
Keywords
Liver disease, Phytotherapy, Hepatic Stellate Cells, Fibrosis, Hepatoprotective, Anti-inflammatory, Oxidative stress, Traditional medicine