Salvia miltiorrhiza (Chinese: 丹參; pinyin: dānshēn), also known as red sage, Chinese sage, tan shen, or danshen, is a perennial plant in the genus Salvia, highly valued for its roots in traditional Chinese medicine. Native to China and Japan, it grows at 90 to 1,200 m (300 to 3,940 ft) elevation, preferring grassy places in forests, hillsides, and along stream banks. The specific epithet miltiorrhiza means 'red ochre root'. Since the outbreak of SARS in 2003, this herb has been tested for treatment ...

salvia miltiorrhiza

Why-are-hepatitis-viruses-dangerous?

Why are hepatitis viruses dangerous? 

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Hepatitis viruses are a serious problem around the world. Hepatitis A, a major cause of acute hepatitis in many parts of the world, is in serious decline in the developed world as a result of the existence of an effective vaccine. The disease remains prevalent in the developing world. Hepatitis B is also significantly inhibited by vaccination in the developed world, but remains a major cause of chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis and liver cancer in parts of Africa and Asia.

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It is important to suggest that viral hepatitis can be fatal. Viral hepatitis types A, B, C, D and E can cause infection and subsequent inflammation of the liver, which can lead to serious diseases, including liver cancer or even death. People infected with hepatitis A and E almost always recover and do not need treatment. In the case of viruses B, C and D, infection can become chronic and some patients may develop a more serious diagnosis, such as liver cancer or cirrhosis. However, if the infection is detected in time, it can be treated.

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In turn, people with the hepatitis C virus can make a full recovery, and there are vaccines that protect against viral hepatitis A, B, D and E.

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Herbal-treatment-for-different-subtypes-of-viral-hepatitis

Herbal treatment for different subtypes of viral hepatitis 

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We distinguish several main types of acute viral infections of the liver – these are hepatitis A, E, B and C. They correspond to the subtype of virus that is causative. As you will see from the article, there is a wide range of herbal remedies that can be applied to any type of hepatitis. It is advisable to do this after consulting a medical practitioner in case other drugs are taken or there are specifics in the person's condition.

Herbs-in-acute-hepatitis

Herbs in acute hepatitis  

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Andrographis-paniculata

Andrographis paniculata 

Andrographis-paniculata_2_0

A hepatoprotective (providing a protective effect to the liver) and antiviral herb seems an ideal recommendation in case of acute infection with the hepatitis A virus. Andrographis paniculata (Andrographis stalk), a Southeast Asian herb of the Acanthaceae family, meets these criteria. The leaves are highly bitter and, according to traditional medicine, are used for liver-related problems. The leaves have been extensively studied and have been shown to be beneficial for people with acute upper respiratory tract viral infections, although most of the studies involved a major producer of extracts from the plant, and negative results may not be Published.&nbsp;

Silybum-marianum

Silybum marianum 

Silybum-marianum_2_0

The seeds of Silybum marianum (milk thistle), specifically the flavonolignan complex known as silymarin extracted from the seeds, have been studied in patients with acute viral hepatitis. The most recent and high-quality study involved patients with acute hepatitis A, B, C or E; cytomegalovirus; or associated with Epstein-Barr hepatitis virus in Egypt.&nbsp;

Silybum-marianum_2_1

Patients were treated with either 140 mg. Three times a day silymarin or multivitamins for 28 days. Jaundice decreases faster in silymarin than in the group of people taking the multivitamin, and tends to reduce other symptoms, such as fatigue and anorexia, more quickly in favor of silymarine. &nbsp;<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19303273/" target="_blank" data-ref="A randomized controlled trial to assess the safety and efficacy of silymarin on symptoms, signs and biomarkers of acute hepatitis - PubMed" rel="noopener">[ref. 1]</a>&nbsp;

Silybum-marianum_2_2

In a much smaller study, silymarin at a dose of 140 mg, three times a day, lowered serum transaminase and bilirubin levels more effectively than placebo in patients with acute hepatitis A or B. Although there is not enough evidence yet, at least we know that silymarin is extremely safe to use. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/353464/" target="_blank" data-ref="[Results of a double blind study on the effect of silymarin in the treatment of acute viral hepatitis, carried out at two medical centres (author's transl)] - PubMed" rel="noopener">[ref.</a>&nbsp;2]&nbsp;

Herbal-formula-Liv.52-(Liv.52)

Herbal formula Liv.52 (Liv.52) 

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An herbal formula known as Liv.52 has also been studied in people with viral hepatitis caused by hepatitis A, hepatitis B and hepatitis E virus. It is unclear whether this is a traditional formula or a modern recipe; the ingredients are as follows:

Herbal-formula-Liv.52-(Liv.52)_2_2

<ul><li aria-level="1">Capparis spinosa&nbsp;</li></ul><ul><li aria-level="1">Cichorium intybus&nbsp;</li></ul><ul><li aria-level="1">Terminalia arjuna</li></ul><ul><li aria-level="1">Solanum nigrum</li></ul><ul><li aria-level="1">Achillea millefolium&nbsp;</li></ul><ul><li aria-level="1">Cassia occidentalis</li></ul><ul><li aria-level="1">Tamarix gallica</li></ul><ul><li aria-level="1">Ferric oxide calx&nbsp;</li></ul>Several double-blind studies conducted in India have suggested that Liv.52 is effective in patients with acute hepatitis. Most of the formulas were not originally published in English or were in non-mainstream publications. Given these data, it still appears that Liv.52 may clear symptoms and reduce serum bilirubin faster than placebo. The typical Liv.52 dose is 275-550 mg. three times a day in capsules or 5-10 ml. syrup three times a day. &nbsp;<a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0944711305000528" target="_blank" data-ref="Redirecting" rel="noopener">[ref. 3]</a>&nbsp;

Other-herbs-of-alternative-medicine

Other herbs of alternative medicine 

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Various other Western and Eastern herbs are widely used as antiviral drugs during other acute infections and should be considered clinically and for research projects to help people recover from acute viral hepatitis faster. These herbs include Ligusticum porteri root (Osha), Ligusticum grayi root, Lomatium dissectum root (Lomatium), herb Forsythia suspensa (Forsitia, Forsycia), herb Hypericum perforatum (St. John's wort) and Coptis chinensis (Golden thread).

Herbs-in-chronic-hepatitis

Herbs in chronic hepatitis 

Glycyrrhiza-glabra-(licorice)-and-G.-uralensis-(Ural-liquorice)

Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) and G. uralensis (Ural liquorice) 

Glycyrrhiza-glabra-(licorice)-and-G.-uralensis-(Ural-liquorice)_3_0

Chronic hepatitis C is an extremely common problem around the world. Hepatitis C is usually a very slow-growing disease and can have a wide range of manifestations. A large proportion of people with hepatitis C remain asymptomatic or oligosymptomatic. The main areas of therapeutic interest are to prevent progression of the disease to cirrhosis of the liver or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to reduce symptoms, if present.&nbsp;

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Interferons and ribavirin are currently used for most patients to suppress viral load, but the drugs are expensive, cause many adverse effects and are not always effective enough. A very large HALT-C study recently found that treatment with IFN-a-2a for many years was not effective in preventing the progression of chronic hepatitis C. Therefore, other means, including herbal ones, should be sought.&nbsp;

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Many long-term studies have looked at the triterpenoid saponin known as glycyrrhizin, found in the roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) and G. uralensis (Ural liquorice) for patients with chronic hepatitis C. Glycyrrhizin can also be given by intravenous injection together with glycine and cysteine as the drug Stronger Neo-Minophagen C. However, the effects of its administration have not been sufficiently studied in the laboratory.

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More impressively, at least three studies in Japan have shown that SNMC may reduce the risk of developing cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis C. One of these studies was a retrospective analysis of 456 patients with chronic hepatitis C seen in hospitals, most of whom had not responded to interferon treatment. The risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma in patients whose serum ALT fell below 1.5, the upper limit of normal, was 60% lower compared to patients who did not receive this reduction. The average duration of therapy was 4.1 years. <a href="https://www.karger.com/Article/FullText/48283" target="_blank" data-ref="" rel="noopener">[ref.</a>&nbsp;4]&nbsp;

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It is not known whether oral licorice products (Glycyrrhiza glabra) would be useful for people with chronic hepatitis C, although the herb is definitely a traditional remedy for liver problems. Assumptions about its potential value come from the use of the shosaiko-to formula in patients with chronic hepatitis B. This formula includes the following herbs:

Glycyrrhiza-glabra-(licorice)-and-G.-uralensis-(Ural-liquorice)_3_5

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Bupleurum falcatum - root, 16%&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Paeonia lactiflora - root, 16%&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Pinellia ternata - rhizome, 14%&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Cinnamomum cassia- bark, 11%&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Zingiber officinale - rhizome, 11%</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Zizyphus jujuba &mdash;fruit, 11%</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Panax ginseng &mdash;root, 8%</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Scutellaria baicalensis &mdash;root, 8%</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Glycyrrhiza uralensis &mdash;rhizome, 5%</li></ul>People taking licorice or glycyrrhizin in any form should be warned to regularly monitor their blood pressure and potassium levels in serum or urine. Doses should be reduced or treatment stopped if these parameters become imbalanced. Potassium-depleting diuretics enhance glycyrrhizin toxicity and should not be combined with it except under very close medical supervision.

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Taraxacum-officinale-(Dandelion)-and-root-of-Arctium-lappa-(burdock)

Taraxacum officinale (Dandelion) and root of Arctium lappa (burdock) 

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Other traditional hepatoprotective herbs are Taraxacum officinale root (Dandelion) and Arctium lappa root (burdock). These herbs are commonly used by herbalists and naturopathic doctors in chronic hepatitis C and should be considered in research.

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Another herb that counteracts inflammation is Curcuma longa (turmeric), which also has a strong history of use as a hepatoprotective agent and has been shown to reduce inflammation in hepatocytes and protect these cells against iron overload.&nbsp;

Chronic-hepatitis-B

Chronic hepatitis B  

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The hepatitis B virus (HBV) is an epidemic in Asia and Africa, although the availability of a vaccine is beginning to reduce the incidence of this disease. Unlike chronic hepatitis C, chronic hepatitis B is much more likely to progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Therefore, there is an acute need for an effective, safe alternative to drug therapies (to which the virus often develops resistance if taken long-term) for this complex and difficult disease.

Shosaiko-to-formula

Shosaiko-to formula 

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The traditional formula, known in Chinese as Xiao Chai Hu Tang and in Japanese as shosaiko-to, which translates into English as Minor Bupleurum Decoction, was first recorded in the book Shang Han Lun. This treatise was written at least 2,000 years ago, and its postulates have been applied for at least as much.&nbsp;

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The ingredients of the Xiao Chai Hu Tang formula are:

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Bupleurum falcatum - root, 16%&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Paeonia lactiflora- root, 16%&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Pinellia ternatа - rhizome, 14%&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Cinnamomum cassia&nbsp; - bark, 11%&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Zingiber officinale- rhizome, 11%</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Zizyphus jujuba &mdash;fruit, 11%</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Panax ginseng &mdash;root, 8%</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Scutellaria baicalensis &mdash;root, 8%</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Glycyrrhiza uralensis &mdash;rhizome, 5%</li></ul>Two randomized trials have evaluated the long-term potential of this formula for the prevention of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with chronic hepatitis B in Japan. In the first study, 260 patients with cirrhosis caused by chronic hepatitis B were treated with conventional therapies, and some subjects were also randomized to take 7.5 g daily shosaiko-to for 34 months. The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma at the end of the follow-up period was significantly lower in the shosaiko-to group compared to patients in the control group. In what appears to be an extension of the original study to 60 months, HCC levels are still lower and survival is better in the shosaiko-to group than in the conventional therapy group. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8625175/" target="_blank" data-ref="Prospective study of chemoprevention of hepatocellular carcinoma with Sho-saiko-to (TJ-9) - PubMed" rel="noopener">[ref.</a>&nbsp;5]&nbsp;

Fuzheng-Huayu-formula

Fuzheng Huayu formula 

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Another formula based on herbs traditionally used for liver problems and experimentally proven to have antifibrotic action and benefits in patients with cirrhosis has been studied in patients with chronic hepatitis B. The ingredients of the formula are:

Fuzheng-Huayu-formula_4_1

<ol><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Salvia miltiorrhiza (Chinese sage) - root 33.3%&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Gynostemma pentaphyllum - root 25%&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Fermentation mycelium powder - 16.7%&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Schisandra chinensis (Schisandra) - fruit 8.3%&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Prunus persica (Peach)—seed 8.3%&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Pinus spp. (Pine) - pollen 8,3%</li></ol>

There are many herbal remedies that can be used in the subtypes of viral hepatitis. Their role is to exert a hepatoprotective effect, that is, to protect the liver from or prevent damage. Herbal treatment for viral hepatitis can be carried out using a large number of herbs and herbal formulas, some of which come from Chinese or Indian traditional medicine, but also from other alternative healing&nbsp; systems.

Herbal treatment for viral hepatitis - which herbs support the liver

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Бетина Цветкова

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Author: Rositsa Tashkova, Master of Molecular Biology and Microbiology

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Osteoporosis is a disease that mainly affects women after menopause. Unfortunately, only then do we start thinking about it, and measures can be taken much earlier. For example, active sports at a young age is a factor that is often overlooked, but in fact has a strong positive effect on bone density and therefore their strength later in life.

Role-of-herbs-in-the-treatment-and-prevention-of-osteoporosis

Role of herbs in the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis

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Studies are also being carried out on various herbs and medicinal plants that can be used to increase bone density and combat osteoporosis. They may serve as a complementary medicine to the main treatment, especially in postmenopausal women.

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Some of these plants have estrogen-like properties that are important for bone health. It is good to keep in mind that herbal treatments are supportive and have a slow effect, and therefore it is recommended to use them for prevention and maintenance, and not as a single treatment.

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Herbs can exert an impact on inflammatory processes and metabolism, reduce bone destruction and help preserve calcium in the body.

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Eleuthero-(Acanthopanax-senticosus)

Eleuthero (Acanthopanax senticosus)

Eleuthero-(Acanthopanax-senticosus)_1_0

The herb is also called &nbsp;devil's bush, Siberian ginseng, ciwujia, Devil's shrub, shigoka, touch-me-not, wild pepper, or kan jang. A study by Hwang et al. has found that taking 3 grams of powdered extract of the herb per day for 6 months leads to positive effects on bone structure in menopausal women. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/The_effects_of_Acanthopanax_senticosus_extract_on_bone_turnover_and_bone_mineral_density_in_Korean_postmenopausal_women_19452124" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.1</a>]

Red-clover-(Trifolium-pratense)-contains-estrogen-like-compounds

Red clover (Trifolium pratense) contains estrogen-like compounds

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It is believed that red clover contains estrogen-like compounds, which may be due to its potential positive effect on bone density observed in some studies. [<a href="https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/689138/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.2</a>]

Red-clover-(Trifolium-pratense)-contains-estrogen-like-compounds_2_1

Unfortunately, these estrogen-like compounds may interact adversely with other medications, as well as not be suitable for some patients suffering or prone to other diseases (for example, estrogen-dependent breast cancer) therefore a preliminary consultation with a doctor is necessary.

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Soybeans-(Glycine-max)-may-have-a-protective-effect-on-bones

Soybeans (Glycine max) may have a protective effect on bones

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Soybeans contain isoflavons - they also resemble estrogen, and it is believed that for this reason they can have a protective effect on bones against loss of density.

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Many different studies have found such an effect of taking soy isoflavons. But here is also the same warning about the likelihood of interaction and adverse effects in some patients. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/The_pros_and_cons_of_phytoestrogens_20347861" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.3</a>]

Genistein

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Phytoestrogen genistein also belongs to the group of isoflavons and has an oestrogen-like effect. For the first time, the substance is isolated from the plant dyer's greenweed or dyer's broom&nbsp;(Genista tinctoria), from whose Latin name comes the name of the substance.

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Genistein is also found in soybeans (Glycine max), lupine (Lupinus), broad beans or fava bean (Vicia faba), Psoralea, kudzu (Japanese arrowroot or Chinese arrowroot), coffee.

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Various studies [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Effects_of_genistein_and_hormone_replacement_therapy_on_bone_loss_in_early_postmenopausal_women_a_randomized_double_blind_placebo_controlled_study_12369794" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.4</a>] establish the effectiveness of this phytoestrogen in osteoporosis, and the mechanisms and contraindications are similar to those described above.

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Chinese-traditional-medicine-and-herbal-combinations

Chinese traditional medicine and herbal combinations

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A number of herbal combinations of Chinese traditional medicine have shown effectiveness against osteoporosis. [<a href="http://j.skums.ac.ir/Article/jskums-90" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.5</a>] Here we will focus on some of them:

Chinese-traditional-medicine-and-herbal-combinations_5_1

<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Yang Huo San Zi Tang - contains seeds of white mustard (Sinapis alba), shiso seeds (Perilla frutescens), daikon turnip seeds (Raphanus sativus var. Longipinnatus);</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Yigu of capsules - contains common wheat (Triticum aestivum), dried fruits of Psoralea corylifolia, sweet wormwood (Artemisia annua), Xanthium sibiricum, bitter apricot nuts, ricebean (Vigna umbellata).</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Bo-gu Ling;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Classic Yin and Yang Tonic Formula - contains a variety of phytoestrogens, such as isoflavones, lignans and coumarin;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Xian Ling GuBao - consists of 9 herbs, among which Еpimedium, psoralen, Rehmannia root, danshen or also known as red sage (Salvia miltiorrhiza), Anemarrhena asphodeloides&nbsp;and others.</li>
</ul>

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Some herbs and herbal combinations have a positive effect on osteoporosis, especially in menopausal women. However, due to the similarity of the active substances in these medicinal plants with the hormone estrogen, which are due to their effects, it is necessary to carefully monitor the therapy and the approach to each patient should be individual, according to their medical history, diseases and medications they use.

Bone density in osteoporosis: which herbs may improve it

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 Bone density in osteoporosis: which herbs may improve it

Rositsa Tashkova-Kacharova

About 2 million people worldwide die each year from liver disease. Unfortunately, the awareness of the deterioration of the liver comes only when it’s too late and symptoms are already showing. This makes preventive examinations especially important.

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The most common diseases of this organ are viral hepatitis (hepatitis B and C), cirrhosis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NSCLC), steatosis, fibrosis, alcoholic liver disease (alcoholic hepatitis), liver cancer, liver failure. Not everyone knows that elevated blood cholesterol levels are also directly related to the liver.

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The liver is the main purifying organ in our body - it has the task of neutralizing toxins and harmful substances that enter the blood. This makes it particularly sensitive to the use of drugs and herbs, especially in some diseases. Therefore, consultation with your doctor is mandatory before you start taking any herb for liver problems to avoid potential hepatotoxicity and additional damage to this extremely important organ.

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IIn this article we will look at herbs that have been shown to help with some liver diseases:

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Chronic hepatitis</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Fatty liver disease (hepatic steatosis)</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Cirrhosis</li>
</ul>

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Most of the information is taken from the scientific article "Current Status of Herbal Medicines in Chronic Liver Disease Therapy: The Biological Effects, Molecular Targets and Future Prospects", published in 2016 in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences.&nbsp;[<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Current_Status_of_Herbal_Medicines_in_Chronic_Liver_Disease_Therapy_The_Biological_Effects_Molecular_Targets_and_Future_Prospects_26633388" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.1</a>]

Medicinal-plants-for-chronic-hepatitis

Medicinal plants for chronic hepatitis

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Chronic hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. It is usually caused by viral infections, autoimmune diseases, or toxic substances such as drugs or alcohol.

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Viral hepatitis is the most common liver disease. Over time, it can develop into fibrosis and cirrhosis. The causative agents are hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV). Currently, more than 30% of the world's population is infected with HBV.

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis) - the active substance of licorice is called glycyrrhizin. Various studies have established its various functions in protecting the liver - has an anti-inflammatory effect on the liver by several mechanisms, inhibits the release of viral particles in HCV infection, controls the reproduction of HBV [ref.2], lowers liver enzymes ALT and AST. It is important to keep in mind that prolonged use of licorice can lead to dangerous side effects, including high blood pressure and low levels of potassium in the blood.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) - the active substance of milk thistle, with effects on the liver, is silibinin. It is extracted from the seeds of the plant. Inhibits HCV and lowers ALT, AST and alkaline phosphatase levels in patients with chronic hepatitis. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/A_pilot_study_on_the_liver_protective_effect_of_silybin_phosphatidylcholine_complex_IdB1016_in_chronic_active_hepatitis_8225695" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.3</a>] Fortunately, no side effects from the use of milk thistle have been identified.</li>
</ul>

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Gale of the wind, Stonebreaker, or Seed-under-leaf (Phyllanthus niruri) - according to some studies, the aqueous extract of the plant can help with viral hepatitis B. Side effects are upper abdominal pain and diarrhea.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Baikal skullcap or Chinese skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) - the substance baikalin from the herb seems to accelerate the regeneration of liver cells and inhibits the onset of programmed cell death (apoptosis).</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Mongolian milkvetch (Astragalus membranaceus)- the aqueous extract of the root of the herb can help with chronic viral hepatitis B and against the occurrence of liver fibrosis. There are no known side effects, but it may interact with some medications.</li>
</ul>

Medicinal-plants-for-fatty-liver-disease-(hepatic-steatosis)

Medicinal plants for fatty liver disease (hepatic steatosis)

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Hepatic obesity or steatosis is a reversible pathological process in which large vacuoles with triglyceride fat accumulate in the liver cells.

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Fatty liver disease is usually caused by excessive alcohol consumption or metabolic disorders such as obesity, insulin resistance and dyslipidemia.

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Alcoholic fatty liver disease (ALD) refers to alcohol-related steatosis, while nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (ALD) means that the primary cause of steatosis is not alcohol. Steatosis predisposes the liver to inflammation and fibrosis.

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In developed countries, fatty liver disease is the most common liver disease, the prevalence of which ranges from about 20% to 60%.

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For those with early stage non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, gradual weight loss is the only solution to prevent the progression of the disease.

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According to recent studies, some herbal products appear to have positive effects on this potentially reversible disease. Both laboratory and clinical studies have suggested that medicinal plants may have a moderate benefit in its treatment.

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Cardus marianus, Milk thistle, Blessed milk thistle, Marian thistle, Mary thistle, Saint Mary's thistle, Mediterranean milk thistle, variegated thistle, and Scotch thistle (Silybum marianum) - after intake of white thistle seed extract, a decrease of hepatic steatosis was observed in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in ultrasound results.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Baikal skullcap or Chinese skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis)- according to a clinical trial, the root of Baikal hellebore has a protective effect in alcoholic fatty liver disease&nbsp;[<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0041008X11003978?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.4</a>]. In laboratory animals, intake of the herb root extract has been shown to reduce the level of total serum cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol, ALT and AST and increase the level of serum HDL-cholesterol.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Jiaogulan (Gynostemma pentaphyllum)&nbsp;- the aqueous extract of the plant has been found to suppress the accumulation of cholesterol and triglycerides and prevent oxidative stress. According to a clinical trial, it lowers serum AST, ALP, insulin, lowers body fat index and insulin resistance index [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/The_add_on_effects_of_Gynostemma_pentaphyllum_on_nonalcoholic_fatty_liver_disease_16708768" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.5</a>].</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Apricot (Prunus armeniaca) - In laboratory animals, apricots have been found to have the potential to suppress hepatic steatosis through their antioxidant action and reduced serum AST and ALT levels.&nbsp;[<a href="https://www.wjgnet.com/1007-9327/full/v18/i31/4118.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.6</a>]</li>
</ul>

Medicinal-plants-against-liver-cirrhosis

Medicinal plants against liver cirrhosis

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Cirrhosis is a condition in which the liver does not function properly due to long-term damage, it is an extreme complication of chronic liver disease.

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According to a study in Germany, the most common etiologies of liver cirrhosis are associated with alcoholic liver disease (52%), chronic hepatitis C (28%) or hepatitis B (14%) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (6%).

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The pathological hallmark of cirrhosis is the development of fibrosis, which replaces the normal parenchyma. Fibrosis means that non-functional tissue accumulates in the liver, as a scar remains when wounds heal.

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The most effective way to fight cirrhosis is prevention, as the disease is irreversible in itself.

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In this case, the seeds of Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) and the roots of Baikal skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis), Licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis), red sage, Chinese sage, tan shen, or danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza), and East Asian arrowroot, kudzu (Pueraria lobata) have shown beneficial effects. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Current_Status_of_Herbal_Medicines_in_Chronic_Liver_Disease_Therapy_The_Biological_Effects_Molecular_Targets_and_Future_Prospects_26633388" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.1</a>]

Q&amp;A

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Where is the liver located?

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The liver is a large organ located mainly in the upper right abdomen, below the diaphragm and above the stomach.

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When can you feel liver pain?

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