Hepatitis C infection is a major cause of chronic liver diseases with the potential of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. So far, an effective vaccine for hepatitis C virus (HCV) prevention is unavailable; however, several drugs are used for the treatment of this infection. Initially, alpha interferon and ribavirin were mainly used but with the advent of directly acting antivirals, HCV therapeutic options have dramatically improved, especially for genotype 1. However, these drugs are expensive and resistance develops to their use. Therefore, there is a need to develop more effective antivirals or a combination of drugs that targets different stages of the life cycles of the virus. In past decades, we have observed an increase in the study of plant-based compounds that are active against microbes that cause diseases in humans. Worldwide, several natural compounds have exhibited antiviral activity as well as anti-HCV activity. In this scenario, plant origin compounds can serve as alternatives for new antiviral drug development. For this purpose, this chapter aims to summarize all possible hepatoprotective activities of natural products and plant extracts that lessen hepatitis C.
Elsevier, Influence of Nutrients, Bioactive Compounds, and Plant Extracts in Liver Diseases, 2021, Pages 41-55
