People around the world are insanely affected by liver problems. Around 2 million deaths occur across the world per year due to liver complications. Conditions like nonalcoholic, fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, liver failure, liver cancer, and hepatitis affect many people around the world.
The risk factors for these diseases include heavy alcohol intake, obesity, high blood pressure, elevated triglyceride, cholesterol levels, and more. It is treated in a number of ways including immunotherapy, nutritional therapy, medication, surgical resection, lifestyle change, or liver transplant for end-stage liver disease.
Apart from the standard treatments, there are some remedies that can work as an alternative including herbal supplements. These can improve the health of the liver and may even protect it from further diseases.
Nearly 65% of people in Europe and the United States consume herbal supplements for liver diseases.
If you want to know the best herbs for liver repair, read this blog ahead.
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Best Herbs For Liver
1. Milk thistle (silymarin)
Milk thistle, also known as silymarin, has a group of compounds extracted from the seeds, including silychristin, silybin, and silydianin.
This herb has been used for a long time- for over 2000 years, to treat liver diseases and bile ducts. Research believes that this herb has healing properties and is one of the best herbs for liver repair.
Although there are suggested evidence supporting the potent antioxidant effects of silymarin and its potential to facilitate liver cell regeneration, reduce inflammation, and provide benefits for individuals with liver disease, the outcomes of human studies have shown varying results.
While certain studies have demonstrated the potential of silymarin supplementation in safeguarding against the progression of liver disease, extending the lifespan of individuals with alcoholic cirrhosis, and improving the overall quality of life for those with liver disease, other studies have produced inconsistent findings.
Yet, according to other studies, it is not more effective than placebo treatments, which means that there is a need for more research.
Despite this, silymarin is safe and does not possess any side effects even when you consume high doses. Therefore, it can be counted as one of the effective herbs for liver.
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2. Green Tea
Green tea, although not technically classified as an herb, is often mentioned in literature reviews regarding herbal remedies for liver conditions. Research suggests that supplementing with green tea extract may be beneficial for individuals with liver disease.
One study conducted on 80 people with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) showed that taking 500 mg of green tea extract daily for 90 days led to a significant decrease in liver damage markers, specifically ALT and aspartate aminotransferase. While the placebo group also experienced a reduction in these markers, it was not statistically significant.
Source: NCBI
In a separate study, 80 individuals diagnosed with NAFLD were administered a daily dosage of 500 mg of green tea extract for a duration of 12 weeks. The results revealed noteworthy enhancements in liver markers (AST and ALT) and inflammatory markers among the participants who received the green tea extract, in contrast to those who were given a placebo.
Source: NCBI
Additionally, the treatment demonstrated a reduction in the occurrence of fatty changes within the liver. Green tea has also been shown to provide protection against various liver conditions, including liver cancer, cirrhosis, hepatitis, fatty liver, and chronic liver disease.
While consuming green tea is generally safe, it’s important to note that rare cases of acute liver injury have been associated with the use of green tea extract supplements.
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3. Ginseng
Ginseng is a popular herb known for its strong anti-inflammatory properties. Numerous animal and test tube studies have demonstrated its antioxidant properties and its ability to protect the liver from injury caused by toxins, viruses, and alcohol. It may also aid in liver cell regeneration after surgery.
While ginseng is generally considered safe for liver health when used alone, it has the potential to interact with medications, leading to liver injury and other potentially dangerous side effects.
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4. Garlic
Garlic (Allium sativum) has been used for centuries in various traditional medicine systems for its potential health benefits. It is one of the most reliable herbs for liver. It contains a compound called allicin, which is believed to possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may be beneficial for liver health.
A study published in 2020 investigated the effects of garlic extract on liver damage induced by alcohol in rats. The researchers found that garlic extract helped reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the liver, suggesting a potential protective effect against alcohol-induced liver damage.
Source: NCBI
It’s important to note that more research, including human studies, is needed to further establish the efficacy of garlic in promoting liver health.
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5. Turmeric
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a bright yellow spice commonly used in Asian cuisine and traditional medicine. It is also one of the best herbs for liver. It contains a bioactive compound called curcumin, which has been extensively studied for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective properties.
A systematic review and meta-analysis in 2017 analyzed the available clinical trials on curcumin’s effects on liver diseases. The review concluded that curcumin supplementation showed significant improvement in liver enzymes, such as alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST), indicating improved liver function.
Source: Pubmed
While studies like this highlight the potential benefits of turmeric and its active compound curcumin, more research, particularly well-designed human clinical trials, is necessary to establish its effectiveness for liver health.
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6. Ginger
Ginger is a popular herb widely used in traditional medicine and culinary practices. It contains several bioactive compounds, including gingerols and shogaols, which exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
A study published in the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine in 2016 investigated the protective effects of ginger extract against liver toxicity induced by a chemical in rats.
Source: NCBI
The results demonstrated that ginger extract significantly reduced liver injury markers, enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity, and attenuated liver inflammation, suggesting its hepatoprotective effects.
While this study suggests that ginger may have hepatoprotective properties, more research, especially in humans, is needed to further investigate its effects on liver health.
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7. Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo Biloba is derived from the leaves of the Ginkgo tree and is commonly used in traditional medicine. It contains flavonoids and terpenoids, which are believed to possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may be beneficial for liver health.
A study published in 2020 researched the effects of Ginkgo Biloba extract on liver injury induced by a hepatotoxic substance in rats. It found that Ginkgo Biloba extract worked on decreasing liver inflammation and reducing liver injuries indicating its potential hepatoprotective effects.
Source: NCBI
However, it is important to note that some studies have also reported rare cases of liver toxicity associated with Ginkgo Biloba supplementation. Therefore, further research is necessary to determine the safety and efficacy of Ginkgo Biloba for liver health, particularly in humans.
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8. Dandelion Root
Dandelion is a common herb that has been used traditionally for its potential health benefits. Dandelion root is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which may contribute to its purported hepatoprotective properties.
A study in 2021 investigated the effects of dandelion root extract on liver injury induced by a hepatotoxic substance in mice. The results showed that dandelion root extract exhibited significant hepatoprotective effects by reducing liver injury markers and oxidative stress.
Source: NCBI
While this study provide preliminary evidence for the hepatoprotective effects of dandelion root, further research, including human clinical trials, is needed to establish its efficacy and safety for liver health.
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9. Licorice
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has a long history of use in traditional medicine and is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, it is important to note that licorice contains a compound called glycyrrhizin, which in high doses or prolonged use, can potentially cause adverse effects on liver health, such as high blood pressure and sodium retention.
Nevertheless, certain components of licorice, such as isoliquiritigenin and glabridin, have shown hepatoprotective effects in preclinical studies. It is among the best herbs for the liver.
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10. Punarnava
Punarnava, also known as Spreading Hogweed, is a herb commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine. It has been traditionally used for various health conditions, including liver disorders. Punarnava is believed to possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
A study investigated the hepatoprotective effects of Punarnava extract on liver injury induced by a hepatotoxic substance in rats.
Source: Pubmed
The findings indicated that Punarnava extract significantly reduced liver injury markers, and also significantly reduced inflammation, concluding its positive protective effects on the liver.
11. Katuki
Katuki, also known as Kutki, is an herb native to the Himalayan region. It has been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for its hepatoprotective properties. Katuki is believed to exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects.
A study published in 2022 evaluated the hepatoprotective effects of Katuki extract in rats with liver damage induced by a hepatotoxic substance. The results concluded that Katuki extract works potentially as a hepatoprotective agent for liver-reducing injuries and diseases.
Source: NCBI
12. Kalmegh
Kalmegh, also known as King of Bitters, is an herb commonly used in Ayurvedic and traditional medicine systems. It has been traditionally used for its potential hepatoprotective properties. Kalmegh is believed to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects.
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13. Astragalus
Astragalus is a herb commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine and one of the most potent herbs for fatty liver. It contains various bioactive compounds, including flavonoids and polysaccharides, which are believed to possess antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties.
A study published in the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine in 2017 investigated the effects of Astragalus extract in rats with liver damage induced by a hepatotoxic substance. It found Astragalus to be potent for protecting the liver against certain diseases, inflammations, and injuries.
Source: NCBI
Summing Up
There are numerous herbs that may cure and prevent liver diseases. However, the herbs we mentioned above are the most effective and have been known to benefit liver health for a long time. You can consume them in powder, capsule, or raw form.
Disclaimer: This article only provides information to educate the reader. It does not promote skipping or substituting treatments by medical experts. It is recommended the readers consult experts according to personal needs to understand their medical condition precisely.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What herbs cleans your liver?
Many herbs are known to clean your liver. Some of them are significantly effective in avoiding or treating liver diseases. A few such herbs are Punarnava, Katuki, Kalmegh, Astragalus, Ginger, Garlic, and Ginseng.
2. How can I repair my liver quickly?
There are some remedies to repair the liver naturally. Apart from medication, nutritional therapy, or surgery, one can consume herbs. Some effective herbs for the liver are ginseng, ginger, licorice, ginkgo biloba, and green tea.
Disclaimer: This article only provides information to educate the reader. It does not promote skipping or substituting treatments by medical experts. It is recommended the readers consult experts according to personal needs to understand their medical condition precisely.
