A Comprehensive Review of the Use of Plant-Derived Antioxidants in the Management of Non-Alcoholic Liver Toxicity

Abstract

ABSTRACT

With its rising incidence, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become a global health problem. Hepatic lipid buildup, inflammation, and oxidative stress are the results of complex interactions between metabolic, genetic, and environmental variables in the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. The potential significance of antioxidants generated from phytochemicals in alleviating non-alcoholic liver damage has garnered substantial interest among the many treatment methods. The goal of this thorough review is to summarize and assess the body of research on the application of antioxidants derived from phytochemicals in the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. A comprehensive examination of peer-reviewed research from many databases demonstrates a wide variety of phytochemicals with antioxidant characteristics and their possible effects on oxidative stress, inflammation, and hepatic lipid metabolism. Prominent phytochemicals such as curcumin, resveratrol, quercetin, silymarin, and green tea catechins are among those whose antioxidative processes are included in the review. Preclinical and clinical research on these substances have revealed encouraging results, suggesting that they may be able to lessen inflammation and hepatic steatosis while also enhancing liver function. We investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying their protective benefits, including reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines and modification of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). The study also discusses the shortcomings and difficulties in the existing research, highlighting the necessity of more clinical trials, standardized dosing schedules, and research into the possible synergistic effects of mixing several phytochemicals. To present a fair picture of the therapeutic application of phytochemical antioxidants, safety issues and possible negative effects are also included. This review emphasizes the potential use of phytochemical-derived antioxidants in the treatment of non-alcoholic hepatic damage. Including these organic substances in all-encompassing lifestyle interventions might be a good way to both prevent and cure NAFLD.

Keywords: Phytochemicals, Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), Anti-oxidants, Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), Toxicity.