The Function of some Important TCM and Iranian Medicinal Plants in Treatment of Viral Hepatitis

Introduction: Hepatitis is a systematic viral infection which significantly influences the liver and is divided into five types according to the causative virus. The goal of this article was to review some important medicinal plants used in both traditional Chinese and Iranian medicine in treatment of hepatitis. Methods: This manuscript included randomized control experiments, review articles, observational and analytical studies, which have been surveyed in Google Scholar, Scopus, ResearchGate and PubMed by using keywords including hepatitis, medicinal plants, traditional Iranian medicine, traditional Chinese medicine and health benefits. All relevant papers in both English and Chinese language were searched. We screened the articles first by reviewing titles and abstracts and subsequently reading the whole manuscript of those publications deemed suitable. Results: Three main kinds of hepatitis are recognized as hepatitis A, B, and C, and two other types are D and E. Each is caused by a disimilar virus, and all three types generally last for up to 6 months, although types B and C can be chronic, lasting substantially longer. All relevant papers in English language from different countries were collected. The keywords of hepatitis, medicinal plants, traditional Iranian medicine, traditional Chinese medicine and health benefits were searched in Google Scholar, Scopus, Science Direct and PubMed. The most important herbs used to prevent and treatment of different kinds of hepatitis are cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis), milk thistle (Silybum marianum), licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra), and reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum). The most important signs and symptoms of hepatits are flu-like symptoms, abdominal pain, fatigue, jaundice, nausea, loss of appetite and vomiting, weight loss, dark urine, diarrhea, whole body itching, mild anemia, as well as enlarged and tender liver. Conclusion: The use of natural and traditional medicinal plants in the treatments of different hepatitis may provide new solutions and more favorable results in the treatment of viral hepatitis.