Abstract

LIVER PROTECTION BY EDIBLE FRUITS – A REVIEW

T. Kalpana and S. Gopinathan*

Abstract

The liver plays a central role in transforming and clearing chemicals and is susceptible to the toxicity from the chemical agents. Hepatotoxicity implies chemical-driven liver damage. Certain drugs when taken in overdoses and sometimes even when introduced within therapeutic ranges may injure liver. In Indian traditional systems of medicine a number of medicinal herbs and their formulations are used to cure liver disorders. The consumption of some plant parts and fruits play a vital role in human health care. Recent scientific investigations have indicated that beneficial role of different plant parts and particularly fruits are attributed to the presence of diverse phytochemicals present within them. The present review is the compilation of investigations carried out and reported on some edible fruits, which are consumed by humans and are demonstrated as hepatoprotective agents.

Keywords: Liver injury, hepatotoxins, hepatoprotective agents, edible fruits, phytochemicals.