An overview of the hepatoprotective potentials of Phyllanthus amarus

Abstract

The liver played a crucial role in the metabolism of toxins from the body thereby predisposing it to challenges that impedes its optimum performance. P. amarus Schum & Thonn (Euphorbiaceae) is a small erect, annual herb that contain various phytochemicals that are attributed to its leaves, stem, and roots. It is a hepatoprotective herb that has been used in folk medicine for various liver disorders, and this property has been attributed to its active compounds mainly phyllanthin. The present study is a review of the hepatoprotective activity of the plant and the mechanisms that might play significant role. Several studies have indicated that the stone-breaker plant possess remarkable hepatoprotective and antihepatotoxic potentials against liver toxicity models such as acetaminophen, alcohol, and carbon tetrachloride. The suggested mechanism relates principally to the phytochemical lignan - phyllanthin which exhibit antioxidant effect against the oxidative stress generated by the hepatotoxins.