Tao Wang*, Zhuo Lu, Gui-Feng Sun, Kai-Yi He, Zhi-Ping Chen, Xin-Hui Qu and Xiao-Jian Han Pages 1 - 22 ( 22 )
Liver fibrosis, characterized by the overproduction of extracellular matrix proteins within liver tissue, poses a rising global health concern. However, no approved antifibrotic drugs are currently available, highlighting the critical need for understanding the molecular mechanisms of liver fibrosis. This knowledge could not only aid in developing therapies but also enable early intervention, enhance disease prediction, and improve our understanding of the interaction between various underlying conditions and the liver. Notably, natural products used in traditional medicine systems worldwide and demonstrating diverse biochemical and pharmacological activities are increasingly recognized for their potential in treating liver fibrosis. This review aims to comprehensively understand liver fibrosis, emphasizing the molecular mechanisms and advancements in exploring natural products' antifibrotic potential over the past five years. It also acknowledges the challenges in their development and seeks to underscore their potency in enhancing patient prognosis and reducing the global burden of liver disease.
Liver fibrosis, hepatic stellate cell, etiology, antifibrosis, molecular mechanism, natural product.