The pharmacology and mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine in
promoting liver regeneration: A new therapeutic option
Abstract
The liver is known for its remarkable regenerative capacity to restore
liver architecture and re-establish specific functions 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 and the prevalence of liver regeneration in liver
injury, promoting liver regeneration is suggested as an effective
strategy for treating patients with liver disease. Liver regeneration is
a complex process involving the regulation of cytokines, growth factors,
and metabolic signals. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been
practiced for thousands of years due to its comprehensive intervention
advantages with multi-component and multi-pathway. Recent studies have
described that TCM can effectively promote liver regeneration. In this
review, we provide an overview of the molecular mechanisms involved in
the process and regulation of liver regeneration. Subsequently, we first
summarize the pro-regenerative activity and mechanism of TCM formulas,
extracts and active ingredients, which reveal the potential of TCM in
promoting liver regeneration and provide reasonable evidence for TCM in
the prevention and treatment of patients with clinical liver disease.