Plant-based Natural inhibitors of human liver carcinogenesis: A mechanistic overview, focusing on hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses

Hepatitis B and C viruses can lead to serious complications such as hepatic fibrosis, liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and are therefore responsible for a significant portion of liver cancer cases worldwide, with over 1.3 million deaths annually. The mechanisms by which hepatitis viruses contribute to HCC include DNA integration into the host genome, metabolic reprogramming, induction of the cellular stress response pathway, and interference with tumour suppressors. HBV is a DNA virus from the Hepadnaviridae family, and HCV is an RNA virus from the Flaviviridae family. Both viruses are transmitted through contact with infected bodily fluids, such as blood or sexual fluids. It is important to get tested for hepatitis B and C and to seek treatment as early as possible to prevent the progression to liver cancer. While there is a vaccine available for Hepatitis B, there is currently no vaccine for Hepatitis C. But some natural medicines have demonstrated antiviral activity against the hepatitis B and C viruses. Therefore, it is important to explore natural alternatives for the treatment of this disease. This review aims to summarise the pathogenesis of hepatitis B and C and their link to hepatocellular carcinoma, as well as to highlight natural compounds with the potential to treat hepatitis through various mechanisms at different stages of infection. These natural compounds may offer an alternative to chemical-based medications in the treatment and control of hepatitis by inhibiting or disrupting the entry, activity, or replication of the virus within the host.