Isolation and characterization of phytoconstituents for in vitro evaluation of hepatoprotective activity using cell lines

Abstract

Liver dysfunction results in impairment of toxin detoxification, leading ultimately to toxin accumulation in vital organs and consequently causing disseminated damage to them. Hence, it is imperative that a conscious effort be made to prevent exposure to these toxic substances, or where unavoidable, mitigate the associated liver injury by the use of plants or allopathic drugs known to possess universally accepted hepatoprotective potency. However, there is currently no allopathic drug that is effective for the treatment of liver diseases. On the other hand, Medicinal plants play significant role in the treatment/management of liver disorders and many of them have shown significant hepatoprotective potency. Modern science has examined numerous plant extracts for this purpose and has confirmed the traditional experience by discovering the mechanisms of action of these plants. In spite of the tremendous advances seen, very few significant and safe hepatoprotective agents are available in modern therapeutics. newline