Hepatoprotective Potential of Malaysian Medicinal Plants: A Review on Phytochemicals, Oxidative Stress, and Antioxidant Mechanisms

Hepatotoxicity is a major global public health concern. Despite advances in modern medicine, the demerits of chemically prepared drugs outweigh their merits. In addition, the treatment of liver diseases based on modern medical principles has been found to produce several undesired side effects. Therefore, the exploration of medicinal plants has gained worldwide attention for treating various diseases, including liver diseases, owing to their potential efficacy and cost effectiveness. Several plants, including Andrographis paniculata, Bauhinia purpurea, Commelina nudiflora, Dillenia suffruticosa, Elaeis guineensis, Lygodium microphyllum, and Nephrolepis biserrata, have been reported with hepatoprotection. Moreover, these plants have been shown to play a vital role in ameliorating cellular damage because they contain several phytochemicals, including alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, steroids, polyphenols, and diterpenoid lactones. The following antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and hepatoprotective compounds have been found in these plants: andrographolide, rosmarinic acid, phenol, eugenol, 9,12-octadecadienoic, n-hexadecanoic acid, dihydroxy dimethoxy flavone, sitosterol, demethoxycurcumin, quercetin, linoleic acid, stigmasterol, kojic acid, indole-2-one, α-terpinol, linalool, kaempferol, catechin, ellagic acid, and oleanolic acid. This paper aimed to provide an in-depth review of in vivo studies on Malaysian medicinal plants possessing hepatoprotective properties, phytochemical ingredients, and antioxidant mechanisms, with an emphasis on the species proven particularly useful for treating hepatic disorders.


Introduction
The liver plays an essential role in the regulation of physiological functions [1]. It is involved in almost all biochemical pathways responsible for growth, immunity, nutrient supply, energy provision, and reproduction. A major function of the liver is the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats [1,2]. It also plays a vital role in the storage of glycogen, Oxidative stress is caused by the inhibition or lack of antioxidant enzymes, which can further damage and lyse cells. Antioxidant defense mechanisms are responsible for the prevention of free radical formation by oxidant scavenging, the transformation of harmful free radicals into less harmful substances, and the inhibition of the development of inflammatory mediators and secondary harmful metabolites. These defense systems work together to protect the body against the damaging effects of oxidative stress [45].

Medicinal Plants
Medicinal plants have been on earth since even before the appearance of human beings. They play a vital role in various biological activities. Thousands of various plant species are used globally in different human cultures for medicinal purposes. They contain bioactive compounds with antioxidant, anticancer, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, Oxidative stress is caused by the inhibition or lack of antioxidant enzymes, which can further damage and lyse cells. Antioxidant defense mechanisms are responsible for the prevention of free radical formation by oxidant scavenging, the transformation of harmful free radicals into less harmful substances, and the inhibition of the development of inflammatory mediators and secondary harmful metabolites. These defense systems work together to protect the body against the damaging effects of oxidative stress [45].

Medicinal Plants
Medicinal plants have been on earth since even before the appearance of human beings. They play a vital role in various biological activities. Thousands of various plant species are used globally in different human cultures for medicinal purposes. They contain bioactive compounds with antioxidant, anticancer, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective properties [46][47][48][49][50][51]. Many countries, including China, India, Malaysia, Korea, Egypt, and others, have developed their formulations with different medicinal plants and herbs [52]. According to the published data, nearly 25% of modern medicines have been developed from medicinal plants [53]. Approximately 65% of patients in the United States and Europe consume herbal medicines for liver diseases because of their wide availability, pharmacological activity, biochemical diversity, and fewer side effects than synthetic drugs [54].
Phytochemicals derived from medicinal plants serve to prevent illnesses and improve health and therefore have been widely examined to determine their efficacy and underlying mechanisms of action. According to studies, phytochemicals may lower the incidence of coronary heart disease by decreasing the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and enhancing the flexibility of arteries, detoxification of carcinogenic toxins, neutralization of free radicals, blockage of carcinogen-activating enzymes, and activation of carcinogendetoxifying enzymes [55][56][57]. Phytochemicals are classified under two categories: primary metabolites, including chlorophylls, sugars, nucleic acids (purines and pyrimidines), and proteins, and secondary metabolites, including alkaloids, flavonoids, lignans, terpenes, saponins, curcumins, steroids, phenolics, and glucosides [58]. According to a literature review, phenolics are the most abundant and structurally varied plant phytochemical compounds that have been researched primarily for their potential activity against oxidative injuries responsible for degenerative disorders, such as cancer, inflammation-induced hepatotoxicity, and cardiovascular diseases [59,60].

Malaysian Medicinal Plants
Providing the habitat for thousands of species of medicinal plants, Malaysia ranks among the world's 12 megadiverse countries; almost one-fourth of its tree flora is unique and not sighted elsewhere in the world [61][62][63]. In the states of Sabah and Sarawak in Malaysia, 2000 plant species with medicinal value have been discovered [64,65]. It has also been reported that in Peninsular Malaysia, 1200 species of higher plants have medicinal potential [65]. Traditional healers have utilized these plants to cure a variety of ailments, including hepatic disorders.
Sabah in Malaysia is rich in plant biodiversity and gifted with numerous medicinal plants, which are used by local people to treat various ailments [66]. These plants contain numerous compounds with antimicrobial, antimalarial, anticancer, antidiabetic, and hepatoprotective properties. Plant species collected from various parts of the Maliau Basin, Sabah, Malaysia, have been reported to include a broad range of active ingredients, such as steroids, alkaloids, saponins, and triterpenoids [66,67].
One of the medicinal plants used by the local people in Malaysia for treating various diseases is Aloe vera, which is locally known as Dihabuazo. The sticky sap obtained from its leaves is used to treat skin itches, cuts, burns, and stomach aches. This plant contains a variety of bioactive chemicals, including hydroxyanthraquinones, barbaloin, aloe-emodin, hydroxychromones, and aloesone [68]. Areca catechu L. is locally known as Lugus. This plant's seeds are mashed, and the juice is applied to cuts and scabies. The seeds can also be utilized to fight intestinal parasites and lower blood pressure and heart rate. It is used as a relaxant when eaten with Piper betle leaves. It contains a little amount of nicotine, [69]. Brucea javanica Merr. is locally known as Gompoit and used to cure stomachache, malaria, dandruff, and parasites (lice and worms) [68]. Capsicum frutescens L. is locally known as Ladoh. The leaves and fruits of this plant, which contain alkaloids and essential oils [70], are crushed and used to treat skin and common ailments in pregnancy. Mallotus miquellianus is used to treat jaundice, diarrhea, fever, and itchy skin [71]. Psidium guajava L. is locally known as Liaba or Siabas. The young leaves are used to cure stomachache, diarrhea, dysentery, and acute gastroenteritis. The fruit of the plant possesses the glucosides, guaijaverin, crataegolic, luteioic, and argamolic acids [72].

Malaysian Hepatoprotective Plants
Medicinal plants are commonly used for treating hepatotoxicity and other diseases because they are effective, cheap, and safe. Poor lifestyle, excessive alcohol consumption, and drug habits are factors that contribute to hepatic damage [73][74][75]. Modern chemical therapies are still not well known for the treatment of various hepatic injuries, and only a few drugs are available in this regard [73]. Therefore, many folk remedies of plant origin have been examined for their potential anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective properties [49][50][51]76]. Medicinal plants, such as Commelina nudiflora, Nephrolepis biserrata, Dillenia suffruticosa, Azadirachta indica, and Morinda citrifolia (Figure 2), are vital sources of bioactive compounds with antioxidant potential [11,[77][78][79][80]. These compounds play key roles in the detoxification and removal of free radicals [47][48][49]51]. The consumption of different parts (leaves, fruits, stem, and roots) of medicinal plants with potential antioxidant properties can protect against diseases caused by oxidative stress [73,[81][82][83].

Malaysian Hepatoprotective Plants
Medicinal plants are commonly used for treating hepatotoxicity and other diseases because they are effective, cheap, and safe. Poor lifestyle, excessive alcohol consumption, and drug habits are factors that contribute to hepatic damage [73][74][75]. Modern chemical therapies are still not well known for the treatment of various hepatic injuries, and only a few drugs are available in this regard [73]. Therefore, many folk remedies of plant origin have been examined for their potential anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective properties [49][50][51]76]. Medicinal plants, such as Commelina nudiflora, Nephrolepis biserrata, Dillenia suffruticosa, Azadirachta indica, and Morinda citrifolia (Figure 2), are vital sources of bioactive compounds with antioxidant potential [11,[77][78][79][80]. These compounds play key roles in the detoxification and removal of free radicals [47][48][49]51]. The consumption of different parts (leaves, fruits, stem, and roots) of medicinal plants with potential antioxidant properties can protect against diseases caused by oxidative stress [73,[81][82][83].
Some of the Malaysian medicinal plants with hepatoprotective activity are discussed.

Andrographis paniculata (Acanthaceae)
Andrographis paniculata is known as the "King of the Bitters". The ethanol extract of the aerial parts of the plant has been reported to have significant antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities. The pretreatment of the plant extract at a concentration of 300 mg/kg b.w. against CCl4 challenged rats resulted in a 75 and 14.5% restoration of hepatic enzymes, Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and Aspartate aminotransferase (AST). The exposure of animals to A. paniculata extract decreased the MDA level by 40% and increased the GSH level by 46%. The activities of CAT, GPX, QR, GST, GR, and G6PD in the hepatic tissues were significantly restored by 22 to 94%. Further, the exposure of the solvent extract of the plant reduced degenerative changes such as fatty changes, cellular hypertrophy, necrotic cells, inflammatory cell infiltration, and sinusoidal dilatation induced by CCl4 administration [84].  The exposure of animals to A. paniculata extract decreased the MDA level by 40% and increased the GSH level by 46%. The activities of CAT, GPX, QR, GST, GR, and G6PD in the hepatic tissues were significantly restored by 22 to 94%. Further, the exposure of the solvent extract of the plant reduced degenerative changes such as fatty changes, cellular hypertrophy, necrotic cells, inflammatory cell infiltration, and sinusoidal dilatation induced by CCl 4 administration [84].
The plant is known as "pokok tapak kerbau" in Malay. The plant has been reported with antioxidant activity (61%), at a concentration of 200 µg/mL using a 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay applying ascorbic acid as a standard and total phenolic content of (194.35 mg GAE/100 g) using gallic acid as a standard. The methanol extract of the plant has been reported to have hepatoprotective properties. The plant extract has been administered at a dose of 50 to 500 mg/kg b.w. for 7 days, followed by a hepatotoxicity induction using paracetamol (PCM) in rats. Exposure of B. purpurea extracts at a concentration of 500 mg/kg b.w. restored the activity of ALT (49%), AST (42%), and ALT (22%) in the PCM-treated group compared to the solely PCM-treated group. Histopathological alterations such as necrosis, inflammation, and haemorrhage have also been reduced by the solvent extract of the plant in PCM-treated groups [85].

Commelina nudiflora (Commelinaceae)
The methanol leaf extract of the plant has been reported to scavenge 2,2-diphenyl-2picrylhydrazyl-free radicals effectively (66% at a concentration of 500 µg/mL). Sprague Dawley rats were orally exposed to C. nudiflora (450 mg/kg b.w.) once daily for 14 days, followed by two doses of CCl 4 (1 mL/kg b.w.). The effects of CCl 4 toxicity on serum indicators of liver damage, AST and ALT, were dramatically reduced by 63% and 40% with the administration of C. nudiflora. The solvent extract of the plant improved the enhanced hepatic production of MDA (50%) caused by CCl 4 in rats by increasing antioxidant levels of hepatic glutathione (GSH) and antioxidant enzymes. According to histopathological analysis, C. nudiflora extract protected the liver from the toxic effects of CCl 4 and cured necrosis, hepatocyte injury as an irregular lamellar organization, dilations in the endoplasmic reticulum, fatty degeneration, and other lesions. According to immunohistochemistry analysis, pretreatment of C. nudiflora reduced the development of 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE)-modified protein adducts. Overexpression of the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α, prostaglandin E2, and IL-6 were also reduced [11].

Clidemia hirta (Melastomataceae)
A tropical shrub, widely distributed in the Southeast. C. hirta's hepatoprotective effects and antioxidative potential have been investigated against CCl 4 -induced injuries and oxidative damage in mice. The mice were exposed to an aqueous extract of C. hirta at a concentration of 600 mg/kg b.w. for 14 days before receiving two doses of CCl 4 (1.0 mL/kg b.w.) orally on days 14 and 15. Hepatic damage includes the escalation of ALT and AST (77% and 76%), MDA (38%), depletion of GSH (48%), and reduced antioxidant enzymes, CAT (34%), GPX (129%), GR (127%), GST (36%), and QR (38%), were significantly ameliorated by the administration of mice with C. hirta extract. Histopathological observations indicated that the pretreatment of C. hirta showed reduced hepatic lesions, necrosis, and fatty alterations. Furthermore, well-developed nucleated hepatocytes organized around the central vein and well-formed sinusoidal arrays were also noticed [13].

Curcuma xanthorrhiza (Zingiberaceae)
The plant has been used in folk medicine for the treatment of hepatitis and other liver illnesses. The antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects have been studied. In the hexane fraction of the plant extract, total phenolic and flavonoid contents were estimated to be 61 mg GAE/g and 92 mg CE/g. The administration of hexane fraction of C. xanthorrhiza rhizome ethanol extract at a concentration of 500 mg/kg b.w. for 7 days successively reduced the levels of ALT, AST, ALP, triglyceride, and TP by 40-80%, respectively. Pretreatment of C. xanthorrhiza hexane fraction at a concentration of 500 mg/kg effectively reduced massive necrosis formation, distortion of hepatocytes, hepatocytes' ballooning, clear cell foci formation, shrinkage of the nucleus, loss of cellular boundaries, and reticular fibers in CCl 4 -intoxicated rats' liver section [86].

Cymbopogon citratus (Gramineae)
Locally, the plant is known as "lemongrass or serai". The stem methanol extract of C. citratus has been reported to have hepatoprotection against CCl 4 intoxicated rats. For 2 weeks, rats were given C. citratus extract orally (100,200, and 300 mg/kg b.w.) before being given CCl 4 (1.

Clitoria ternatea (Fabaceae)
The solvent extract of C. ternatea has shown hepatoprotective and antioxidant properties against PCM-induced hepatic damage in mice. At a concentration of 1 mg/mL, the antioxidant activity of C. ternatea leaf extract was 67%, and total phenolic and flavonoid contents were found to be 358 mg GAE/g and 123 mg CE/g. The PCM-induced liver toxicity trials revealed that mice treated with C. ternatea methanol leave extract (200 mg/kg) significantly lowered levels of ALT (61%), AST (60%), and bilirubin (73%), all of which were significantly higher in the sole PCM-treated group. The administration of C. ternatea leaf extract has also been shown to protect against histopathological alterations [88].

Dillenia suffruticosa (Dilleniaceae)
The plant is known as "Simpoh air" or "Simpoh ayer" in Malay [89]. For 14 days, Sprague Dawley rats were exposed to methanol extract of D. suffruticosa leaves (200, 300, and 400 mg/kg b.w.) once daily, followed by two doses of CCl 4 (1.0 mL/kg b.w.). In CCl 4 -intoxicated rats, D. suffruticosa significantly reduced the extent of MDA formation by 13% to 79%, increased reduced glutathione levels by 5% to 21%, and increased antioxidant enzyme activities by 0.43% to 35%. The histopathological analysis indicated that the plant extract protected the liver from harmful effects, such as fatty degeneration, necrosis, and inflammation. Moreover, transmission electron microscopy observations indicated that D. suffruticosa also reduced hepatocyte damage such as abnormal lamellar organization and endoplasmic reticulum dilations [90,91].

Dicranopteris linearis (Gleicheniaceae)
The antioxidative and hepatoprotective effects of the leaf methanol extract of D. linearis against CCl 4 -induced hepatic damage in rats have been reported. The antioxidant activity of plant extract and total phenolic contents were found to be high. At a concentration of 500 mg/kg b.w. serum biochemical parameters, ALT, AST, and ALP recovered by 46-59% compared to solely CCl 4 -treated rats. Histopathological analysis of hepatic tissues in groups pretreated with D. linearis showed mild necrosis and inflammation of the hepatocytes compared to the negative control group [92]. The hepatoprotective effect of the medicinal plant has been reported in mice. Hepatic damage was induced in mice by the administration of PCM (1 g/kg b.w.) followed by the extract treatment after 3 h for 7 consecutive days. The data indicated that mice exposed to E. guineensis leave extract (200 mg/kg b.w.) significantly lowered ALT (55%), AST (60%), and bilirubin (66%) levels, compared to the PCM-treated group [93].

Flagellaria indica (Flagellariaceae)
The aqueous extract of F. indica has been found to have antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties against CCl 4 -induced hepatic damage in rats. At a concentration of 400 µg/mL, the antioxidant activity of F. indica leaf extract was 50%, and total phenolic and flavonoid contents were estimated to be 65 mg GAE/g and 21 mg CE/g. Adult Sprague Dawley rats were exposed to an aqueous extract of F. indica leaves once daily for 14 days at a concentration of 300, to 500 mg/kg b.w. before receiving a CCl 4 dosage (1.0 mL/kg b.w.) on the 13th and 14th days. The biochemical investigations indicated the aqueous extract of F. indica was able to prevent the increase in AST and ALT (38-74%), as well as MDA generation (25-87%) in a dose-dependent pattern. Histopathological analysis displayed that the pretreatment of the F. indica extract markedly ameliorated infiltration, massive lymphocytic, sinusoidal dilation, heavy loss of cellular boundaries, and ballooning degeneration, compared to the solely CCL 4 -treated group. Transmission electron microscope ultrastructural observations showed that retreatment of the extract prevented the organelles from damage such as, loss of glycogen granules, dilated mitochondria, shrinkage of the nucleus, degenerated rough endoplasmic reticulum, and loss of granules. Furthermore, immunohistochemical observation showed that oxidative stress markers HNE and 8OHdG and pro-inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-6, and prostaglandin E2) were also suppressed in a dose-dependent pattern [94].

Lygodium microphyllum (Lygodiaceae)
At a dosage of 65 µg/mL, the aqueous extract of L. microphyllum was able to scavenge DPPH radicals up to 50%. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were found to be 206 mg GAE/g and 21 mg CE/g. The hepatoprotection of the plant extract at various concentrations (200, 400, and 600 mg/kg b.w.) against CCl 4 -induced hepatic damage has been reported. In a dose-dependent manner, L. microphyllum declined the increment in levels of ALT, AST, and hepatic MDA production. Immunohistochemical results indicated that production of 8-OHdG and HNE was markedly ameliorated by L. microphyllum pretreatment compared to the CCl 4 -treated model group. The histopathological observation of liver sections of rats exposed to L. microphyllum showed a reduction in hepatocellular degeneration, heavy lymphocytic infiltration, deformation of the central vein, and dilated sinusoidal spaces in a dose-dependent pattern. Ultrastructural investigations using a transmission electron microscope revealed recovery of mitochondria, derangement of the nuclear envelope with nucleus shrinkage, degraded rough endoplasmic reticulum and loss of granules in the CCL 4 -intoxicated group exposed to L. microphyllum in a dose-dependent manner [61].

Muntingia calabura (Muntingiaceae)
Aqueous partition of methanol extract of M. calabura leaves (250 mg/kg b.w.) has been shown to have hepatoprotective properties against PCM intoxication. At a concentration of 27 µg/mL the extract was able to scavenge DPPH radicals up to 50%. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were estimated to be 413 mg GAE/100 g and 21 mg CE/g. Administration of the extract reversed the effect of PCM on levels of ALT, AST, and ALP by 85, 82, and 33%, as well as the activity of SOD and CAT by 173 and 68%. The absence of necrosis and haemorrhage was confirmed by microscopic examination and histological scoring of rat liver tissue pretreated with the aqueous partition of methanol extract of M. calabura leaves (250 mg/kg) and followed by the oral exposure of PCM [95].

Melastoma malabathricum (Melastomataceae)
The hepatoprotective activity of methanol leaf extract of M. malabathricum leaves has been investigated against CCl 4 -intoxicated rats. The rats exposed to 500 mg/kg b.w. of extracts for 7 days, followed by the induction of hepatotoxicity using CCl 4 , restored the function of ALT and AST by 49 and 80%. The histopathological observation indicated that the pretreatment with 500 mg/kg of plant extracts reduced the infiltration of leukocytes, haemorrhage, and microvesicles of steatosis compared to the CCl 4 -treated group [96].

Morinda citrifolia (Rubiaceae)
The therapeutic effects of Morinda citrifolia ethanol leaf extract have been reported in rats fed with thermoxidized palm oil. Obesity, an increase in the oxidative stress marker, MDA, diffuse microvesicular steatosis, and mitochondrial dysfunction were all seen in thermoxidized palm oil-fed rats. The solvent extract of M. citrifolia prevented hepatic steatosis, increased the hepatic antioxidant enzymes SOD (66%) and GPx (62%), reduced MDA (9%), prevented mitochondrial damage, and retained normal hepatic histology and ultrastructure [80].

Nephrolepis biserrata (Nephrolepidaceae)
The oral administration of N. biserrata extract (at doses of 125, 250, and 375 mg/kg b.w.) against CCl 4 -induced hepatic damage rats significantly depleted the elevation of enzymatic levels of ALT and AST (20-93%), reduced the extent of MDA (47-90%), increased the level of reduced glutathione (25-39%), and elevated the activities of CAT, GR, GPx, G6PD, GST, and QR (5-34%). Furthermore, the histopathological results also showed that solvent extract of the plant-reduced necrosis and fatty degeneration in CCl 4 -administered rats [97] The aqueous leaf extract of S. nodiflora has been reported to provide hepatoprotection against CCl 4 -mediated hepatic injury in rats. The oral administration of S. nodiflora (300 mg/kg b.w.) for 2 weeks, followed by the administration of CCl 4, significantly restored the levels of ALT (20%), AST (41%), GSH (44%), and MDA (50%). Pretreatment of S. nodiflora extract markedly enhanced the hepatocellular arrangements with only minimal lymphocytic infiltration and fatty changes compared to the CCl 4 -intoxicated group. Furthermore, the ultrastructural observation indicated that the exposure of S. nodiflora prevented the organelles from damage, with well-protected cellular boundaries [100].

Phytochemical Compounds of Malaysia Hepatoprotective Plants
The phytochemical compounds have been noticed in Malaysian hepatoprotective plants. Some of them are tabulated (Table 1).

Chromatographic Analyses of the Active Constituents of Malaysian Hepatoprotecive Plants
The results from the high-pressure liquid chromatography, gas chromatography, and mass spectrometry of the active constituents of the hepatoprotective plants are presented in Table 2. Table 2. Chromatographic analyses of the active constituents of the reviewed hepatoprotective plants.

The Methodology of the Review
The data were obtained from various internet databases, including ScienceDirect, PubMed, ACS publications, Wiley, etc., and proceedings and theses. Records were searched with keywords related to Malaysian medicinal plants, distribution, taxonomy, hepatic protection, hepatic damage, bioactivity, biochemical composition, antioxidant, oxidative stress, etc. Around 227 records, approximately from the years 2000 to 2021, were retrieved and screened. Among these, about 80 records were excluded due to being outside the scope of the review. Finally, a total of 147 records were adopted for the present review article. Furthermore, data from organizations such as the World Health Organization were also included.

Conclusions
This review identified various plant extracts with hepatoprotective activities against harmful chemicals that trigger hepatic damage. Furthermore, this study investigated the use of medicinal plants in the folk medicine of Malaysia. These plants may be added as new alternatives to the limited therapeutic options that currently exist for treating hepatic injuries; these plants should be considered for future research. The study also highlighted different phytochemical compounds (tannins, saponins, quinones, terpenoids, steroids, flavonoids, phenols, alkaloids, glycosides, cardiac glycosides, coumarins, anthocyanins, etc.) with hepatoprotective properties found in Malaysian plants. In addition, the review showed various bioactive compounds, including andrographolide, lutein, eugenol, phytol, fucosterol, quercetin, squalene, gamolenic acid, rosmarinic acid, stigmasterol, kojic acid, linalool, kaempferol, ellagic acid, oleanolic acid, etc., with antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and anti-inflammatory properties. The potent hepatoprotective properties of the bioactive compounds obtained from natural origins represent an exciting avenue in the search for effective and cheap hepatoprotective agents, particularly at this time when there is an urgent requirement for innovative and effective drugs. Further studies on the isolation, purification, and characterization of bioactive compounds and trials using animal models need to be conducted to ascertain the safety of these compounds as good alternatives for treating hepatic disorders.

Conflicts of Interest:
The authors declared no potential conflict of interest concerning the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.