Abstract

LIVER PROTECTION AND HERBAL HEALING: NATURAL ALTERNATIVES FOR HEPATITIS B THERAPY

Chintan Barad*, Prof. Hiral Popaniya and Dr. Payal Vaja

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Abstract

This review provides a comprehensive evaluation of the efficacy of herbal medicines in the management of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Chronic hepatitis B is a global health challenge, often requiring lifelong treatment. While conventional antiviral therapies, such as nucleoside analogues and interferon-based treatments, are effective in suppressing viral replication, they may be associated with side effects and high costs. Herbal medicines have gained attention as complementary or alternative therapies, with several herbs showing promise in alleviating liver damage, inhibiting viral replication, and modulating immune responses. This review synthesizes findings from clinical trials, meta-analyses, and in-vitro studies on herbs such as, Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice), and curcuma longa, Silybum marianum among others. The mechanisms of action include antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and antiviral effects, as well as liver cell regeneration. However, variability in study designs, inconsistent methodologies, and limited sample sizes limit the generalizability of these results. While some herbal medicines have demonstrated beneficial effects as adjunct therapies to conventional treatments, concerns about quality control, toxicity, and herb-drug interactions persist. The review concludes by recommending rigorous, large-scale clinical trials to confirm efficacy and safety, and to establish standardized guidelines for integrating herbal medicines into hepatitis B treatment protocols.

Keywords: Hepatitis, Anti-viral, Infection, Herbal Plants, Traditional treatment.