The pharmacology and mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine in promoting liver regeneration: A new therapeutic option

Jia-Ting Ma; Shuang Xia; Bi-Kui Zhang; Fen Luo; Lin Guo; Yan Yang; Hui Gong; Miao Yan

doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2023.154893

The pharmacology and mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine in promoting liver regeneration: A new therapeutic option

Phytomedicine. 2023 Jul 25:116:154893. doi: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.154893. Epub 2023 May 18.

Authors

Jia-Ting Ma¹, Shuang Xia¹, Bi-Kui Zhang¹, Fen Luo¹, Lin Guo¹, Yan Yang¹, Hui Gong², Miao Yan³

Affiliations

¹ Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, Changsha, China; International Research Center for Precision Medicine, Transformative Technology and Software Services, Changsha, China.
² Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, Changsha, China; International Research Center for Precision Medicine, Transformative Technology and Software Services, Changsha, China. Electronic address: feelgonghui@csu.edu.cn.
³ Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, Changsha, China; International Research Center for Precision Medicine, Transformative Technology and Software Services, Changsha, China. Electronic address: yanmiao@csu.edu.cn.

PMID: 37236047
DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.154893

Abstract

Background: The liver is renowned for its remarkable regenerative capacity to restore its structure, size and function after various types of liver injury. However, in patients with end-stage liver disease, the regenerative capacity is inhibited and liver transplantation is the only option. Considering the limitations of liver transplantation, promoting liver regeneration is suggested as a new therapeutic strategy for liver disease. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a long history of preventing and treating various liver diseases, and some of them have been proven to be effective in promoting liver regeneration, suggesting the therapeutic potential in liver diseases.

Purpose: This review aims to summarize the molecular mechanisms of liver regeneration and the pro-regenerative activity and mechanism of TCM formulas, extracts and active ingredients.

Methods: We conducted a systematic search in PubMed, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library databases using "TCM", "liver regeneration" or their synonyms as keywords, and classified and summarized the retrieved literature. The PRISMA guidelines were followed.

Results: Forty-one research articles met the themes of this review and previous critical studies were also reviewed to provide essential background information. Current evidences indicate that various TCM formulas, extracts and active ingredients have the effect on stimulating liver regeneration through modulating JAK/STAT, Hippo, PI3K/Akt and other signaling pathways. Besides, the mechanisms of liver regeneration, the limitation of existing studies and the application prospect of TCM to promote liver regeneration are also outlined and discussed in this review.

Conclusion: This review supports TCM as new potential therapeutic options for promoting liver regeneration and repair of the failing liver, although extensive pharmacokinetic and toxicological studies, as well as elaborate clinical trials, are still needed to demonstrate safety and efficacy.

Keywords: Growth factor; Hepatocyte proliferation, Cytokine; Liver regeneration; Metabolic signal; Traditional Chinese medicine.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Drugs, Chinese Herbal* / chemistry
Humans
Liver
Medicine, Chinese Traditional* / methods
Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases
Phytotherapy / methods

Substances

Drugs, Chinese Herbal
Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases