Certain herbs have been linked to improved
liver health, making them popular natural medicines of choice for people with
liver disease and those who want to support liver health.
Many people around the world suffer from liver-affecting
diseases, including cirrhosis, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD),
alcoholic liver disease, liver cancer, liver failure, and hepatitis (1).
Each year, the liver
disease kills nearly 2 million people worldwide (2, 3).
Risk factors for liver
disease include heavy alcohol consumption, hyperglycemia, obesity,
hypertension, viruses, elevated triglycerides, and elevated cholesterol levels (4, 5).
Liver disease can be
treated in a variety of ways, including medication, nutritional therapy,
immunotherapy, lifestyle changes, surgical resection, and even liver transplantation
for end-stage liver disease. （6, 7, 8, 9）。
In addition to standard
treatments, many people turn to alternative therapies, including herbal
supplements, in the hope of improving and protecting liver health. In fact,
about 65% of people with liver disease in the United States and Europe take
herbal supplements (10).
Here are the 10 best
herbs that have been shown to improve liver health.
An important
consideration
Many herbs, including
some on this list, maybe unsafe for people with certain liver diseases.
Some herbs have been
linked to liver damage and other complications, which is why it's crucial to
consult your healthcare provider before adding any herbal supplements to your
diet, including those on this list.
1. Silybum marianum (silymarin)
Silymarin, commonly
known as silymarin, consists of a group of compounds extracted from the seeds
of Silybum marianum, including silybin, silymarin, and silymarin. （10）。
Milk thistle has been
used for more than 2,000 years to treat bile duct and liver disease, and
research suggests that it may have liver-protecting properties. （11）。
It has been proposed
that silymarin has a strong antioxidant effect that may help promote liver cell
regeneration, reduce inflammation, and benefit people with liver disease. However,
the results of human studies are mixed (12).
For example, some
studies suggest that taking silymarin supplements may help prevent liver
disease progression, prolong the lives of people with alcoholic cirrhosis, and
improve the overall quality of life for people with liver disease. （13, 14, 15, 16）。
however, other studies
have shown that silymarin is no more effective than placebo therapy,
highlighting the need for further research (13, 17, 18, 19).
In any case, silymarin
is considered safe and does not produce adverse side effects even when used in
high doses. （19）。
Summary: silymarin
may benefit people with certain liver diseases, including alcoholic cirrhosis. However,
more research is needed.
2. Ginseng
Ginseng is a popular
herbal supplement known for its powerful anti-inflammatory properties (20).
Many test-tube and
animal studies have shown that ginseng has antioxidant effects that may help
prevent liver damage caused by viruses, toxins, and alcohol. In addition, it
promotes the regeneration of liver cells after surgery (21).
In addition, some human
studies have shown that ginseng treatment can improve liver function and reduce
fatigue and inflammation in patients with liver disease and liver dysfunction (22, 23, 24).
For example, a 2020
study of 51 men with elevated levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (a
marker of liver damage) found that people who took 3 grams of ginseng extract
daily for 12 consecutive weeks had significantly lower ALT compared to placebo
in groups (24).
Levels of another marker
of liver damage, γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT), were also significantly reduced. （24）。
While these results are
promising, more research is needed to investigate the effects of ginseng on
liver health.
When used alone, ginseng
is considered relatively safe for liver health. However, ginseng has the
potential to react with the drug, leading to liver damage and other potentially
dangerous side effects. （25, 26, 27）。
Summary: ginseng
may help prevent liver damage and is generally considered safe. However, it has
the potential to react with certain drugs, leading to dangerous side effects.
3. Green tea
Although technically it
is not an herbal remedy, green tea and its main polyphenol compound
epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) often appear in literature reviews of herbs
focused on treating liver disease. （28）。
Some studies have found
that supplementation with green tea extract may help treat patients with liver
disease.
A study of 80 patients
with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) found that supplementation with
500 mg of green tea extract daily for 90 days significantly reduced liver
damage markers ALT and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). （29）。
Although the placebo
group also noted a decrease in AST and ALT levels, they were not significant (29).
Another 12-week study of
80 patients with NAFLD observed significant improvements in AST, ALT, and
inflammatory markers in those who took 500 mg of green tea extract daily
compared to placebo. The treatment also reduces fat changes in the liver (30).
Green tea intake has
also been shown to prevent a variety of liver diseases, including liver cancer,
hepatitis, cirrhosis, fatty liver (hepatic steatosis), and chronic liver
disease. （31）。
While most people
consider it safe to drink green tea, in rare cases, green tea extract
supplements have been linked to acute liver injury. （32）。
Summary: green
tea and green tea extracts are associated with powerful liver protection. Keep
in mind that in rare cases, green tea extract has been linked to liver damage.
4. Licorice
Although people often
think of chewy sweets when it comes to glycyrrhiza glabra, it is indeed an herb
with powerful medicinal properties (33).
Scientific studies have
shown that licorice root has anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and hepatoprotective
effects. （33）。
The main active
ingredient in licorice is the compound glycyrrhizin, which is often used in
Chinese and Japanese medicine to treat a variety of diseases, including liver
disease. （33）。
Some studies have
suggested that treatment with licorice extract may be beneficial for people
with certain liver diseases.
A study of 66 patients
with the fatty liver disease found that supplementation with 2 g of licorice
root extract per day for 2 months significantly reduced ALT and AST compared
with placebo. （34）。
In another small study,
6 healthy people took a glycyrrhizic acid product before drinking vodka every
night for 12 consecutive days, and 6 people drank vodka for only 12 days per
night.
In the pure vodka group,
markers of liver damage, including ALT, AST, and GGT, were significantly
increased. In the glycyrrhizin group, there was no significant increase in
these markers, suggesting that glycyrrhizin may help prevent alcohol-related
liver damage. （while these findings are
promising, more research is needed.
What's more, some people
are more sensitive to licorice, and long-term use of licorice products can lead
to dangerous side effects, including high blood pressure and hypokalemia (36).
Summary: Licorice
supplementation may benefit people with NAFLD and prevent alcohol-related liver
damage. It is important to note that some people may be more sensitive to
licorice supplements and that they can cause adverse side effects.
5. Turmeric
Turmeric and its main
active ingredient, curcumin, have been linked to a variety of impressive health
benefits.
There is ample evidence
that turmeric has powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-cancer
properties, which makes this herb a popular choice for people with liver
disease. （37）。
A study of patients with
NAFLD showed that taking 500 mg of curcumin product daily for 8 weeks
significantly reduced liver fat levels and AST and ALT levels compared to the
placebo group. （Another study of 70
patients with NAFLD found that those who supplemented with 500 mg curcumin and
5 mg of piperine daily for 12 weeks had significantly lower ALT, AST, LDL (bad)
cholesterol, and inflammatory markers compared with the placebo group (39).
Piperine is a compound
found in black pepper that enhances the absorption of curcumin.
It was also observed
that curcumin treatment significantly improved the severity of NAFLD compared
to the placebo group. （39）。
Supplementation with
turmeric and curcumin is generally considered safe. However, some cases of
acute liver injury have been reported. Still, it is unclear whether these cases
are due to contamination of curcumin products or to the products themselves (40).
Summary: Research
suggests that turmeric supplementation may help treat NAFLD and reduce
inflammation. Turmeric is generally considered safe, but there have been some
reports of liver damage cases.
6. Garlic
Although garlic is
botanically considered a vegetable, it is a popular ingredient in many herbs. It
is rich in potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatory plant compounds such as
allicin, allicin, and archon that may help support liver health (41, 42).
A 2020 study of 98 patients
with NAFLD found that those who took 800 mg of garlic powder daily for 15 weeks
had significantly lower ALT, AST, LDL (bad) cholesterol, and triglyceride
levels compared to the placebo group. （42）。
What's more, 51 percent
of participants in the garlic group experienced improvements in the severity of
liver fat accumulation, compared to only 16 percent in the control group (42).
Another study of more
than 24,000 adults found that men who consumed raw garlic more than 7 times a
week had a 29% lower risk of fatty liver disease. Although raw garlic intake in
men was inversely correlated with NAFLD, this association was not seen in
women. （43）。
In addition, one study
linked raw garlic intake to a lower risk of liver cancer. Eating raw garlic
twice a week or more may reduce the risk of liver cancer by 23% compared to
eating raw garlic less than twice a week. （44）。
While raw garlic is
generally considered safe, concentrated garlic supplements can cause liver
damage in some people (45).
Summary: Raw
garlic and garlic powder have liver-protecting properties that can improve
liver health in people with NAFLD. Eating raw garlic can prevent liver cancer.
Garlic is generally considered safe but may cause liver damage in some people.
7. Ginger
Ginger root is a popular
culinary ingredient and is also often used as a medicine to treat many health
problems, including liver disease.
A 12-week study of 46
patients with NAFLD found that supplementation with 1,500 mg of ginger powder
per day significantly reduced ALT, total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol,
fasting blood glucose, and inflammatory marker C-reactive protein (CRP),
compared with placebo (46).
Another study observed
similar results. Patients with NAFLD who were supplemented with 2 grams of
ginger had significantly lower ALT, GGT, inflammatory markers, and liver fat
accumulation compared to the placebo group. （47）。
Ginger root contains
powerful compounds, including gingerol and gingerol, that help inhibit
inflammation and prevent cell damage, which may help support liver health. In
addition, ginger may help protect your liver from toxins such as alcohol (48, 49).
Ginger is generally
considered safe, even for those with liver disease. However, you should always
consult your healthcare provider (50) before supplementing with a high-dose ginger
product.
Summary: Taking
ginger supplements may help reduce liver damage and lower cholesterol, blood
sugar, and inflammation in people with NAFLD. Ginger is generally considered
safe.
8-10。 Other
herbs with hepatoprotective properties
In addition to the
treatments listed above, many other herbs have also been linked to improved
liver health.
8. Salvia
Salvia is a substance
commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is the dried root of the
medicinal salvia (Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge). Human and animal studies have
shown that salvia may have a positive effect on liver health.
Animal studies have
shown that salvia may help prevent alcohol-related liver disease and promote
liver tissue regeneration, while some human studies have shown that salvia
injections may help treat liver fibrosis when used in conjunction with other
herbs. （51, 52, 53）。
9. Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo Biloba is a
popular herbal supplement linked to improved liver health. For example, one
rodent study showed that ginkgo Biloba injection reduced liver fibrosis and
enhanced liver function. （54）。
Although ginkgo Biloba
has been associated with mild adverse side effects, it has not been
particularly associated with liver damage. （55）。
10. Astragalus
Astragalus is a commonly
used edible herb in traditional Chinese medicine. It is rich in medicinal
compounds, including saponins, isoflavones, and polysaccharides, and has a
powerful therapeutic effect (56).
It is generally
considered safe and is not associated with liver damage. However, it can
interact with certain drugs (57).
Rodent studies have
shown that astragalus, when used alone or in combination with other herbs, may
help prevent fatty liver caused by fibrosis and a high-fat diet. （58, 59, 60）。
Summary: in some
animal and human studies, salvia, Ginkgo Balboa, and astragalus have all been
linked to improved liver health. However, more research is needed.
Precautions
although some herbal
treatments may help treat or prevent liver disease, it is crucial for anyone
interested in using herbs to treat liver health, it is crucial to speak with a
qualified healthcare provider first.
This is because many
herbal treatments are toxic to the liver and can be dangerous to take,
especially for those with liver disease or other medical conditions (61).
In fact, herbs have been
linked to liver damage and even death. Both single herbs and mixtures of herbs
have the potential to cause serious damage to your liver (62).
What's more, herbal
supplements can be contaminated with heavy metals, pesticides, drugs, and
bacteria that can harm your liver (63).
In addition, many herbs
interact with common medications, leading to liver damage and even death. （63）。
While some herbs may be
safe for you, many others are not, so you should always consult your healthcare
provider before taking any herbal supplements.
Summary: since
many herbs cause liver damage and interact with common medications, you should
always consult your healthcare provider before taking any herbal supplement,
especially if you have a condition that affects your liver.
Conclusion
Certain herbs have been
linked to improved liver health, making them popular natural medicines of
choice for people with liver disease and those who want to support liver
health.
While some herbal
supplements are considered safe and can even treat certain liver diseases, many
other herbs can compromise liver health.
If you have questions
about herbal remedies for liver disease or are interested in taking herbal
supplements to support your liver health, be sure to consult with a
knowledgeable healthcare provider for advice.