Asian Journal
Of Traditional Medicines

Abstract: Liver fibrosis is a condition of abnormal proliferation of connective tissue due to various types of chronic liver injury. Evidence indicates that some traditional Chinese medicines are more effective to treat liver fibrosis clinically. In this review, the treatment mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicines for liver fibrosis are reviewed. We focus on traditional Chinese medicines against liver fibrosis in inhibition of viral replication, inhibiting hepatic stellate cell proliferation, anti-oxidation actions and regulation of cytokines. Evidence indicates that some traditional Chinese medicines are more effective to treat liver fibrosis, and the treatment mechanism of a traditional Chinese medicine for liver fibrosis may not be independent, but the combined effect. Additionally, a strict quality control of traditional Chinese medicines is critical for pharmacological, clinical and in-depth mechanism studies.

Key words: traditional Chinese medicine, liver fibrosis, hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), mechanism