Hepatoprotective potential of selected medicinally important herbs: evidence from ethnomedicinal, toxicological and pharmacological evaluations

Abstract Medicinal herbs are nature’s gift to humanity, contributing crucially the preservation, maintenance and improvement of our health. In order explore hepatoprotective potential prevalent medicinal plants, nine species were selected from different genera based on their ethnomedicinal records in treating liver-related pathological conditions South Asia. Besides, available information was critically analyzed gain new insights directions for future investigations towards establishing such natural products as potent agents or dietary supplements. The activities have been investigated a wide variety vivo experimental models including carbon tetrachloride-, paracetamol-, iron-, mercuric chloride-, thioacetamide-, cyclophosphamide-, ?- d -galactosamine-, cumene hydroperoxide-, ?-naphthyl-isothiocyanate-, physical stress- alcohol-induced hepatotoxicity rats mice. All plants consistent ability possess properties. As well, three bioactive isolates namely, schaftoside, echinocystic acid, eclalbasaponin II found promising potential. However, extensive comparative studies warranted establish relative potentials under discussion. Preparation poly-herbal formulations these identification phytoconstituents might open up avenues development therapeutic agents.