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The Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Abstract

Hepatoxicity, also known as toxic hepatitis, is a condition, in which the liver becomes inflamed due to exposure to such substances as chemicals, medications, herbal products, or excessive alcohol consumption. Cadmium is a major environmental pollutant from agricultural and industrial sources and has been reported to induce hepatotoxicity. Cadmium can also be found in phosphate fertilizers, detergents, and refined petroleum products as an impurity and used industrially in the production of polyvinyl chloride product stabilizers and the fabrication of nickel-cadmium batteries. Cadmium can be absorbed into the human body through the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory, and dermal routes. Cadmium-induced hepatic damage is very much associated with oxidative stress through inactivation of the antioxidant enzymes, depletion of the glutathione concentration, and increase in mitochondrial-derived reactive oxygen species production. Several processes of ameliorating cadmium-induced hepatotoxicity include the use of orthodox medicine (ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid, dimercaptosuccinic acid, and dimercaptopropane sulfonate). Furthermore, the phytomedicinal approach has served as hepatoprotective agents to averts any damage due to oxidative stress caused by cadmium in the liver. Therefore, this review seeks to understand the hepatotoxic effect of cadmium and its amelioration by orthodox medicine and selected medicinal plants.

Publisher

Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University

First Page

631

Last Page

637

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