Role of Vetiveria Zizanioides Linn. In The Treatment of Hepatotoxicity: A Review

Abstract

Hepatotoxicity, a prevalent form of liver injury caused by xenobiotics, pharmaceuticals, and environmental pollutants, necessitates effective therapeutic interventions. Vetiveria zizanioides Linn., an aromatic grass widely used in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda, has garnered attention for its potential hepatoprotective properties. This review consolidates and analyzes scientific evidence from peer-reviewed studies to elucidate the therapeutic role of Vetiveria zizanioides in managing hepatotoxicity. A systematic literature search across databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, covering publications from 2000 to 2023, identified in vitro, in vivo, and limited clinical studies. The analysis highlights that bioactive constituents such as vetiverol, khusimol, and essential oils from vetiver roots exert hepatoprotective effects by mitigating oxidative stress, reducing lipid peroxidation, and elevating antioxidant enzyme activities like superoxide dismutase and catalase. Preclinical models exposed to hepatotoxins such as carbon tetrachloride, paracetamol, and heavy metals show significant reductions in elevated liver enzymes (e.g., alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase) and improved histopathological profiles. Mechanistic insights point to the modulation of inflammatory pathways, inhibition of cytochrome P450-mediated toxin activation, and enhancement of cellular detoxification processes. Despite these promising outcomes, gaps persist in standardized dosing, long-term safety, and human trials. This review advocates for Vetiveria zizanioides as a viable natural adjunct in hepatotoxicity treatment, emphasizing the need for further clinical validation and phytochemical standardization to harness its full therapeutic potential.