Traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） is commonly used in treating liver diseases worldwide, especially in China. The advantages of using TCM for treatment of liver diseases include： protecting hepatocytes, inhibiting...Traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） is commonly used in treating liver diseases worldwide, especially in China. The advantages of using TCM for treatment of liver diseases include： protecting hepatocytes, inhibiting hepatic inflammation and antifibrosis in the liver. In this article, we introduce TCM herbal preparations from the Chinese materia medica （such as Fuzheng Huayu） that are typically used for the treatment of liver diseases. Literature surrounding the mechanisms of TCM therapy for treatment of liver diseases is presented and discussed. We propose that side effects of herbal compounds are often under-appreciated, and that more care should be taken in the prescription of potentially hepatotoxic medicines. Further, to deepen the understanding of TCM mechanisms, new techniques and methodologies must be developed. Future studies will lead to the enhancement of clinical outcomes of TCM. As complementary and alternative therapies, TCMs will play an expanding role in the future of liver disease treatment.展开更多
基金supported by the National Basic Research Program(973 Program)of China(No.2006CB504800)National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.30271657 and No.30672489)+3 种基金Leading Academic Discipline Project of Shanghai Municipal Education Commission(No.J50307)Innovation Research Team in Universities,Shanghai Municipal Education CommissionLeading Academic Discipline of Hepatology of State Administration of TCM China(No.2010sh)Three-year Action Plan of Shanghai TCM Development(No.ZYSNXD-CC-YJXYY)
文摘Traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） is commonly used in treating liver diseases worldwide, especially in China. The advantages of using TCM for treatment of liver diseases include： protecting hepatocytes, inhibiting hepatic inflammation and antifibrosis in the liver. In this article, we introduce TCM herbal preparations from the Chinese materia medica （such as Fuzheng Huayu） that are typically used for the treatment of liver diseases. Literature surrounding the mechanisms of TCM therapy for treatment of liver diseases is presented and discussed. We propose that side effects of herbal compounds are often under-appreciated, and that more care should be taken in the prescription of potentially hepatotoxic medicines. Further, to deepen the understanding of TCM mechanisms, new techniques and methodologies must be developed. Future studies will lead to the enhancement of clinical outcomes of TCM. As complementary and alternative therapies, TCMs will play an expanding role in the future of liver disease treatment.
