The Role of Oxidative Stress and Antioxidants in Liver Diseases
Li S, Tan HY, Wang N, Zhang ZJ, Lao L, Wong CW, Feng Y · International Journal of Molecular Sciences · 2015 November 02
DOI 10.3390/ijms161125942
Objective
To comprehensively examine the role of oxidative stress as a common pathological mechanism in liver injury caused by various risk factors, including alcohol, drugs, environmental pollutants, and irradiation, and to assess the potential therapeutic efficacy of antioxidants, particularly those from natural sources such as edible or medicinal plants, in preventing and treating liver diseases.
Conclusions
The review concludes that oxidative stress plays a crucial role in the initiation and progression of liver injury induced by diverse factors. Antioxidants, especially those found in edible or medicinal plants, exhibit promising in vivo therapeutic effects in animal studies, demonstrating their potential in preventing and treating liver diseases associated with oxidative stress. While clinical study conclusions remain uncertain, the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and free radical scavenging abilities of natural antioxidants are highlighted as significant factors contributing to their potential health benefits and bioactivities in the context of liver diseases.
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