The liver is a vital organ which plays a major role in the metabolism and excretion of
xenobiotics from the body, and liver disease is a worldwide health problem. The currently
available synthetic drugs to treat liver disorders cause further damage to the liver and kidney
so it is imperative to find new drugs with least side effects. There are a number of treatment
combinations which are derived from medicinal plants and commonly administered as tonic
for the liver. In this review, we have introduced most important medicinal plants that are
used in liver disorders and have least side effects on kidney. In this regards, we have focused
on their active constituents, effects and trial studies, mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetic
characteristics, dosages, and toxicity. Amaranthus spinosus L., Glycyrrhiza glabra, Cichorium
inthybus L., Phyllanthus species (amarus, niruri, emblica), Picrorhiza kurroa, and Silybum
marianum have been extensively administered for the treatment of liver disorders. The
introduced medicinal plants can be used for production of new drugs via antioxidant-related
properties, hepatoprotective activities and least side effects on kidney for the prevention and
treatment of liver disorders
