Recent Updates on Herbs for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a devastating malignancy with a rising global incidence, presenting substantial challenges in terms of diagnosis and treatment. Understanding the pathogenesis of HCC is crucial for developing effective therapeutic strategies. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of recent updates on herbs used in the management of HCC and explores their potential mechanisms of action. HCC arises predominantly in the setting of chronic liver diseases, such as hepatitis B and C infection, cirrhosis, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The pathogenesis of HCC involves a complex interplay of genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors. Key pathways implicated in HCC development include Wnt/β-catenin signaling, PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling, and oxidative stress, among others. In recent years, natural compounds derived from herbs have garnered significant attention for their potential in preventing and treating HCC. This review highlights several promising herbs and their active components, including curcumin, resveratrol, green tea polyphenols, gingerol from ginger, sulforaphane from broccoli sprouts, silymarin from milk thistle (Silybum marianum), thymoquinone from Nigella sativa (black seed), glycyrrhizin from Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice), Lycium barbarum (Goji berry), and xanthorrhizol from Curcuma xanthorrhiza. These herbs exhibit diverse pharmacological properties, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-proliferative, and pro-apoptotic effects, which target various stages of HCC pathogenesis. Additionally, they have shown the ability to modulate key signaling pathways involved in HCC progression, providing a multi-faceted approach to HCC management. In conclusion, this review provides valuable insights into the recent advances in herbal therapies for HCC, shedding light on their potential roles in preventing, slowing, or even reversing HCC progression. The exploration of the intricate mechanisms by which these herbs exert their effects offers new avenues for therapeutic interventions in HCC. However, further clinical studies and rigorous evaluation are necessary to establish their efficacy and safety as adjunctive treatments in the management of HCC.