Past and present scenario of hepatoprotectants

The liver plays a significant role not only in metabolism and disposition o f the chemicals to which it is exposed directly or indirectly but also play s a pivotal role in the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, proteins and imm unomodulations. The impairment of liver generally results from viral or por tozoal infections, excessive use of alcohol, drugs and xenobiotics. This re view provides an overall view about the past and present status of the hepa toprotectants resulted from synthetic and plant origins.