ABSTRACT:
The liver is remarkably a complex organ with array of functions that have effect on nearly every other systems of the body. Molecular oxygen is an essential component of all living organisms, but higher oxidative stress leads to generation of free radicals in the process. There is accumulating evidence that these free radicals play a considerable role in the development of hepatic fibrosis by acting in different cell types and in different signaling pathways. Consequently, flavanoids, a group of phenolic compounds found naturally in fruits, vegetables, nuts, flowers, seeds and barks which are of plant origin ,have emerged as potent antifibrotic agents. Its main role as antifibrotic activity is due to its free radical scavenging activity. This review briefly summarises current views of the mechanisms of fibrogenesis and recent findings on the antihepatofibrotic potential of flavanoids.