A Review of Protective Effects of Iranian Native Medicinal Plants Against CCl4 Induced Liver Toxicity

Abstract

Background and purpose: Liver is a vital organ in the body that plays key roles in metabolism and secreting enzymes. A better understanding of this vital organ for better care has always been of interest to researchers. Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) is one of the most known liver toxins. This compound is used in scientific studies as a well-known model to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of various compounds. Iranian researchers in recent years have investigated the hepatoprotective effects of some native medicinal plants. These plants are abundantly found in Iran. This review aimed at exploring protective effects of different medicinal plants against CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity. Materials and methods: This review summarizes some of the most important research published in recent years on hepatoprotective effects of native Iranian medicinal plants against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity. Carbon tetrachloride, hepatotoxicity, hepatoprotective effects, and medicinal plants were the search keywords. Google Scalar, SID, Pubmed, and Sciencedirect were electronic databases searched. Emphasis was placed on native plants of Iran. Results: Medicinal plants are considered as rich sources of antioxidants in treatment of hepatotoxicity caused by hepatotoxins including CCl4. To counteract the hepatotoxin-induced hepatotoxicity, antioxidant compounds can be used to inhibit free radicals. Conclusion: Medicinal plants containing antioxidant compounds can be very effective in preventing carbon tetrachloride hepatotoxicity due to their ability to inhibit free radicals.

Keywords

• liver
• carbon tetrachloride
• hepatotoxicity
• antioxidants
• medicinal plants
• iran