THE USE OF HERBAL REMEDIES IN THE TREATMENT OF HEPATOBILIARY DISEASES: TRENDS AND PROSPECTS

Hepatobiliary system diseases represent an important medical and social problem due to increasing morbidity rates worldwide. Liver and biliary diseases are characterized by complex pathophysiology as well as by multi- and comorbidity. The treatment of such diseases necessitates multitarget drug development. The effectiveness of current drugs in the treatment of hepatobiliary disorders remains low and the incidence of side-effects are profound. This actualizes the search and development of highly effective hepatoprotectors with a low incidence of side effects. Medicinal plants potentially constitute a sourse of such preparations. The review summarizes the data concerning mechanisms of hepatoprotective and immunomodulatory effects of medicinal plants and their phytoconstituents. The prospects for the development and use of herbal remedies in the treatment of hepatobiliary diseases are outlined.