Phytotherapeutic Potential of Medicinal Plants Against Hepatitis C: A Review

Objective: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains a major global health challenge, contributing to chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Although direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) have markedly improved treatment outcomes, their high cost and potential adverse effects limit accessibility, particularly in low-resource settings. Consequently, there is increasing interest in exploring medicinal plants as alternative or complementary therapies for HCV management. Methods: This systematic review analyzed ۱۲ peer-reviewed studies investigating the therapeutic potential of medicinal plants with anti-HCV activity. Extracted data included plant species, bioactive compounds, mechanisms of action, and hepatoprotective properties. Results: Several plants demonstrated notable antiviral and hepatoprotective effects, including Citrus aurantium L., Cynara cardunculus L., Acacia nilotica, Marrubium peregrinum L., Camellia sinensis L., Olea europaea, Glycyrrhiza uralensis, Maytenus ilicifolia, Lamium album L., Artemisia annua L., and Silybum marianum L. These botanicals exert therapeutic effects through diverse mechanisms, including inhibition of viral entry, suppression of viral replication, modulation of immune responses, antioxidant activity, and hepatocyte protection. Conclusion: Medicinal plants exhibit promising anti-HCV and hepatoprotective activities, indicating their potential as affordable and well-tolerated therapeutic options. Nevertheless, further in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies are required to validate efficacy, establish standardized dosages, and assess long-term safety. Integration of phytotherapy with conventional antiviral regimens may enhance treatment outcomes and reduce the global healthcare burden associated with hepatitis C.

کلیدواژه ها:

Hepatitis C ، Medicinal plants ، Antiviral ، Hepatoprotection ، Phytotherapy