Research Article
Maximas H. Rose H.R., Sudha P.
Abstract
Liver is the versatile organ of our body and plays vital role in metabolism of Carbohydrate, Protein, Lipid / Fat, Vitamin and drugs. Liver cells produce bile; it also performs excretion and detoxification. It is the site of decomposition of erythrocytes and store glycogen. Rising number of cases in Liver injury or dysfunction due to consumption of prescribed drugs, medicines that are acquired over the counter and chemicals that are used in the process of agriculture, is endemicity in developing countries. Over doses of Paracetamol, antibiotics, chemotherapeutic agents, carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), excessive alcohol etc. contribute to hepatotoxicity. However, there is no effective drug available to stimulate and rejuvenate liver cells. Hence it is an urgent need to relook at natural sources that offer hepatoprotection. This review elucidates the list of commonly consumed seeds, root, fruit and Leafy vegetables, as food in south India and their proven hepatoprotective activity in recent times.