Today, hepatoprotectors are widely used in the treatment of liver diseases - drugs aimed at restoring and protecting it.
Classification of funds
Modern hepatoprotectors do not have a single classification, mainly they include:
- herbal preparations;
- preparations of animal origin;
- phospholipids;
- amino acids;
- vitamins;
- other substances.
All these drugs should increase functional activity and stimulate the regenerative properties of the liver. R. Preisig formulated the requirements that an ideal hepatoprotector must meet:
- good absorption;
- obligatory “passage” through the liver;
- ability to bind to damaging compounds;
- anti-inflammatory effect;
- fibrogenesis arrest;
- stimulation of regenerative processes;
- lack of toxicity.
Unfortunately, none of the existing drugs has all these properties at once.
Hepatoprotectors, herbal preparations
Most of the preparations of this group have spotted milk thistle, which is valued because of the silymarin flavonoid. This substance helps to repair damaged hepatocyte membranes (liver cells). Milk thistle preparations (Karsil, Legalon) are prescribed for viral hepatitis, cirrhosis and toxic liver damage. And the preparation “Hepatofalk Plant”, in addition, contains an extract of tumeric and celandine, due to these components, the drug has a choleretic, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effect.
Hepatoprotectors of plant origin are also available on the basis of artichoke (preparations "Hofitol", "Katergen") and pumpkin seeds (means "Tykveol"). It is believed that the flavonoids of these drugs have the same properties as milk thistle. Artichoke extract lowers blood cholesterol, stimulates the production of enzymes and has a choleretic effect.
The drug "LIV-52" contains extracts of capers, chicory, nightshade, barley, yarrow and tumaric. It has an antioxidant effect and restores the membranes of hepatocytes, however, it was noted that taking this medication can increase inflammation, so it should be taken only during remission or as a prophylaxis.
Hepatoprotectors, animal preparations
This group includes medicines based on cattle liver hydrolyzate (Sirepar). The mechanism of action of these substances has not yet been fully studied, however, it is known that they have an antioxidant and regenerative effect on hepatocytes upon entry into the human body. Perhaps this is due to amino acids and germ factors present in the hydrolyzate.
The drug "Hepatosan" is based on dried animal liver cells.
Hepatoprotectors, preparations based on essential phospholipids
The membrane of the hepatic cells consists of phospholipids (preparations Essential N, Eplir, Phosphogliv). Their active ingredient is phosphatidylcholine, which is not synthesized by the human body, therefore, it is advisable to prescribe drugs containing these substances for toxic liver damage, as well as to protect it from the effects of drugs. Phospholipids are able to integrate into damaged hepatocyte membranes.
Study of the properties of hepatoprotectors
Until today, large clinical trials to study these drugs have not been carried out, part of the work in this area indicates the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulating properties of herbal remedies to protect the liver, and for some indicators the results of different studies have conflicting or contradictory data. The debate about the advisability of hepatoprotective therapy is still ongoing.