TCM herbs provide powerful protection against liver cancer

More than 10 percent of the world's population currently suffers from some form of liver disease, whether it be fibrosis, cirrhosis, a hepatocellular carcinoma, alcoholic steatosis, or chronic hepatitis. And a great number of these folks use some kind of natural remedy as treatment rather than pharmaceuticals, according to a 2012 study published in the European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry.

Herbal remedies have gained an incredible following among liver disease sufferers, because they're safe and highly effective, without all the harmful side effects. According to the paper, the following herbs and herb-derived remedies are among the top contenders in this natural fight against liver disease:

1) Curcumin (Curcuma longa). This turmeric derivative has been used throughout Southeast Asia as a remedy for rheumatism, skin diseases, body aches, intestinal worms, diarrhea and hepatic disorders. More recently, curcumin has shown scientific benefits in treating inflammatory diseases like Diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, dementia and cancer.

"Curcumin could attenuate liver injury induced by ethanol [alcohol], thioacetamide, iron overdose, cholestasis and acute, subchronic and chronic carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) intoxication," explains the paper. "[M]oreover, it can reverse CCl4 cirrhosis to some extent."

2) Wogonin (Scutellaria radix). This monoflavonoid compound isolated from skullcap root shows incredible promise in the treatment of both Hepatitis B and C, as well as various forms of alcoholic and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Unlike pharmaceuticals, wogonin doesn't promote drug resistance, nor does it induce adverse events in patients.

"The anti-HBV activity of wogonin demonstrates its ability to suppress hepatitis B surface antigen secretion in cell culture," the study highlights, noting that wogonin has also been shown to be effective in treating hepatocellular carcinoma cells.

3) Glycyrrhizin (Glycyrrhiza glabra). This active constituent of licorice root has long been used in the treatment of Chronic Hepatitis, and also possesses a host of natural anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. Glycyrrhizin is used in traditional Chinese medicine to protect liver function and also to combat tumors.

4) Resveratrol. This polyphenolic phytochemical derived from berries, grapes and wine, has gained itself a solid reputation as one of the most potent anti-aging compounds found in nature. But resveratrol has also been shown scientifically to have hepatoprotective properties that may help protect against hepatic damage caused by free radicals and inflammatory cytokines. It also helps elevate levels of glutathione in the body and promote the formation of antioxidant enzymes, both of which help protect the liver.

5) Silymarin (Silybum marianum). This compound derived from milk thistle is arguably the most well-studied in the natural treatment of liver disease. Milk thistle extract has long held a strong reputation as one of the most powerful "liver tonics" in the world, due to its amazing ability to prevent and/or reverse hepatotoxicity caused by drugs and other toxins. Silymarin also helps combat the production of free radicals, as well as exerting antifibrotic activity that helps protect the liver against toxic damage.