Updates on Traditional Medicinal Plants for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Aim: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major worldwide problem primarily caused by hepatitis B and C virus infection. End stage liver cancer treatment options are limited thus requiring expensive liver transplantation which is not available in many countries. Methods: Several herbal compounds and herbal composite formulas have been studied through in-vitro and in vivo as an anti-HCC agent, enhancing our knowledge about their biological functions and targets. In this article, arecent update on the herbal medicine has been provided with reference to liver cancer. Results: For the sake of clarity, the effective herbal compounds, clinical studies of herbal composite formula, cell culture, and animal model studies safety are discussed. The effects of many herbal active compounds of Annona atemoya, Andrographis paniculata, Boerhaviadiffusa, Piper longum, Podophyllum hexandrum, Phyllanthus amarus, and Terminalia chebula, and herbal composite formula on autophagy, apoptosis, antioxidant, and inflammation characteristicshave been provided. Conclusion: This will enhance our understanding on the prevention and treatment of HCC by herbal active compounds and herbal composite formulas.