The Green Path to Liver Health: Herbal Solutions for Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis.

Abstract

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a progressive liver disease marked by inflammation and fibrosis, stemming from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Despite its rising predominance, current therapeutic medications are limited in efficacy and safety. Recent attention has shifted towards herbal therapies as potential adjuncts or alternatives in NASH management, given their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and phospholipid-controlling characteristics. This research study attempted to assess critically existing literature on the efficacy of herbal interventions while managing NASH. The main goal was to assess the possible medicinal advantages of different herbs, highlight their mechanisms of action, and identify gaps in current research to guide future studies. A systematic review of peer-reviewed articles using databases, like PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, was conducted. It included studies that investigated the effects of herbal extracts (e.g., silymarin, curcumin, berberine) on NASH-related outcomes, such as liver function, fibrosis, lipid metabolism, and inflammatory markers. The review identified several herbs with promising therapeutic effects on NASH. Silymarin showed consistent improvements in liver enzymes and fibrosis markers. Curcumin and berberine were effective in reducing inflammation of the liver and oxidative damage. However, the heterogeneity in research designs, dosages, and outcome measures has limited the generalizability of findings. Herbal therapies hold potential as complementary treatments for NASH, with evidence supporting their role in improving liver function and reducing inflammation. To prove their safety and effectiveness, however, greater sample numbers and longer follow-up times are required in standardised clinical studies.