NUTRACEUTICAL AGENTS WITH HEPATOPROTECTIVE EFFECTS IN CANCER PATIENTS

Regardless of huge advances in targeted medicine, there are no completely effective drugs supporting liver function, helping to regenerate hepatic cells, and offering protection of the organ without toxic effect. As a result, it is essential to recognize low toxic therapeutical alternatives for the treatment of liver diseases. The use of some natural medicaments as plants and fruits have played fundamental roles in human health care: different scientific studies have indicated that positive effects on liver protection can be accredited to the presence of phytochemicals. This review has as its objective the collection of data based on a study conducted into some fruits (grapefruit, cranberries, and grapes) and plants, primarily carduus marianus, which are frequently consumed either by humans in a normal diet and/or as supplemental phytopharmacy and have demonstrated hepatoprotective capacity. The review focuses on natural treatments to help liver function during chemotherapy in cancer patients.