What herbal supplements are recommended for liver health?

From the Guidelines

Licorice juice, specifically its bioactive components such as glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhetinic acid, has been shown to have beneficial effects on the liver, including anti-steatosis, anti-oxidative stress, and anti-inflammation properties. However, it's crucial to note that long-term use of licorice with high doses can lead to complications such as hypertension and hypokalemic-induced secondary disorders 1. When considering herbal supplements for liver health, it's essential to weigh the potential benefits against the risks, particularly for individuals with pre-existing liver conditions or those taking medications that may interact with these supplements.

Some key points to consider when evaluating herbal supplements for liver health include:

• The potential for drug-drug interactions, such as with cyclosporine A, methotrexate, or cilostazol, which may be exacerbated by the use of licorice or its extracts 1
• The importance of consulting with a healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen, especially for individuals with existing liver conditions or those taking medications
• The need for further research to fully understand the effects of herbal supplements on liver health, as the current evidence is limited and sometimes conflicting

In terms of other herbal supplements that may be beneficial for liver health, some options include:

• Milk thistle (silymarin), which has been shown to reduce inflammation and promote liver cell regeneration
• Turmeric (containing curcumin), which offers anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits
• Dandelion root, which may help stimulate bile production and support detoxification
• Artichoke leaf extract, which can aid bile production and digestion
• N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), which helps boost glutathione, the body's master antioxidant produced in the liver

It's essential to approach the use of herbal supplements with caution and to prioritize evidence-based recommendations, such as those supported by high-quality studies like the one published in Liver International in 2021 1. Additionally, considering the role of micronutrients in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, as discussed in the 2020 study published in Liver International 1, can provide valuable insights into the potential benefits and risks of various supplements.

From the Research

Herbal Supplements for Liver Health

Herbal supplements that have been studied for their potential benefits on liver health include:

• Silymarin (milk thistle) 2, 3, 4: Silymarin has been shown to have antioxidant and antifibrotic properties, and may help protect the liver from damage caused by toxins and certain diseases.
• Phyllanthus 5, 3: Phyllanthus has been found to have a positive effect on clearance of HBV markers, but more research is needed to fully understand its effects on liver health.
• Glycyrrhizin (licorice root extract) 5, 3, 4: Glycyrrhizin has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective properties, and may help improve liver function in patients with certain liver diseases.
• Picrorrhiza kurroa 5: Picrorrhiza kurroa has been studied for its potential benefits on liver health, but more research is needed to fully understand its effects.

Potential Risks and Limitations

While some herbal supplements may have potential benefits for liver health, there are also potential risks and limitations to consider:

• LIV.52, a mixture of herbs, has been withdrawn from the market due to deleterious effects in patients with liver disease 5.
• The use of herbal supplements can be associated with acute liver injury, as seen in a case report of a patient who developed cholestatic jaundice after using a combination herbal "liver-cleansing" compound and a nightly herbal "sleep aid" 6.
• The efficacy and safety of herbal supplements for liver health have not been fully established, and more research is needed to understand their potential benefits and risks 5, 3, 4.

Key Findings

Key findings from the studies include:

• Silymarin has been shown to be safe and well-tolerated, but its effects on mortality and liver histopathology are unclear 2, 3.
• Phyllanthus has been found to have a positive effect on clearance of HBV markers, but more research is needed to fully understand its effects on liver health 3.
• Glycyrrhizin has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective properties, and may help improve liver function in patients with certain liver diseases 3, 4.