HERBAL PREPARATIONS AND THEIR INFLUENCE ON BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS IN CHRONIC HEPATITIS: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Аннотация

This article presents a literature review of studies investigating the effects of medicinal plant extracts on liver function in an experimental model of chronic hepatitis. Specifically, it examines the impact of extracts rich in flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and antioxidants on liver enzymes, oxidative stress biomarkers, and plasma protein levels. Available studies demonstrate the significant hepatoprotective potential of medicinal plant extracts. Keywords: hepatitis, liver enzymes, antioxidant, medicinal plant, extract, biochemical indicators. Introduction. Chronic hepatitis is a prolonged inflammatory condition of the liver parenchyma, often accompanied by impaired liver function, metabolic imbalance, disrupted protein synthesis, and detoxification processes. In recent years, experimental models have been widely used to explore the pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis and assess the role of natural medicinal agents in its prevention and treatment. Among these agents, the hepatoprotective and antioxidant properties of plant extracts have attracted considerable scientificattention [4]. Experimental modeling of hepatitis is a critical method for evaluating the efficacy of novel therapeutic agents. The carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced model of chronic hepatitis is particularly widespread. In recent studies, plant-derived extracts, especially those containing flavonoids, polyphenols, and glycosides, have shown efficacy in protecting the liver from injury [3]. Widely studied medicinal plants include Silybum marianum (silymarin), Glycyrrhiza glabra, Curcuma longa,Phyllanthus niruri,and members of the Brassica genus. These extracts have been tested in experimental models induced by CCl₄, acetaminophen, ethanol, and other hepatotoxicagents [2]. Biochemical Markers andTheirEvaluation In the context of liver damage, key biochemical markers include ALT, AST, and ALP enzyme levels, plasma albumin concentration, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in liver 98,7:ROTCAFTCAPMI .SECNEICSLACIDEM ,5202, enuJ,5emuloV gro.srehsilbupcimedaca.www homogenates. These indicators are used to assess the extent of hepatocellular damage, oxidativestress, and the effectiveness of recovery mechanisms [5]. Thefollowing parameters are typicallyevaluated inchronic hepatitis models:  ALT (Alanineaminotransferase): Increases in plasmain response to damagetoliver parenchymal cells. o Elevated levels are observed in chronic hepatitis. o  AST(Aspartate aminotransferase): Found in theheart, muscle, and livertissues. o Used in conjunction with ALT; the AST/ALT ratio helps determine the type of o pathology.  ALP (Alkalinephosphatase): Elevated in cases ofbileduct obstruction orcholestasis. o Indicates impaired excretory function of theliver. o  Albumin: Amajor plasmaprotein synthesized bytheliver. o Its decrease inchronic hepatitis reflects impaired syntheticfunction [6]. o  MDA (Malondialdehyde): Afinal product oflipid peroxidation. o Serves as an indicator ofoxidativestress and membrane damage inhepatocytes. o Conclusion. Analysis of the literature suggests that medicinal plant extracts may serve as effective agents in protecting the liver in chronic hepatitis models. These extracts not only reduce the activity of liver enzymes but also contribute to the restoration of cell membrane integrity, reduction of oxidative stress, and normalization of plasma protein synthesis [1]. Further clinical research inthisarea is considered highly relevant.