FORMULATION STRATEGIES AND THERAPEUTIC EVALUATION OF A POLYHERBAL HEPATOPROTECTIVE DOSAGE FORM

Shilpa, Deepak Saini*, Sunita Rani

Liver diseases represent a significant global health burden, accounting for substantial morbidity and mortality due to their progressive and often irreversible nature. Despite advances in conventional pharmacotherapy, the management of liver disorders remains challenging due to drug-induced toxicity, limited efficacy in chronic conditions, and high treatment costs. In recent years, herbal medicines have emerged as a promising alternative owing to their natural origin, safety profile, and therapeutic versatility. Among these, polyherbal formulations have gained considerable attention as they combine multiple medicinal plants to achieve synergistic therapeutic effects, enhance efficacy, and minimize adverse reactions. This review provides a comprehensive and critical evaluation of formulation strategies and therapeutic assessment of polyherbal hepatoprotective dosage forms. It explores the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying liver disorders, highlights key hepatoprotective medicinal plants and their phytoconstituents, and discusses advanced formulation approaches including conventional and novel drug delivery systems. Furthermore, the review elaborates on standardization techniques, preclinical and clinical evaluation methods, toxicological considerations, and regulatory frameworks governing herbal medicines. The integration of modern pharmaceutical technologies with traditional knowledge is emphasized to improve the quality, safety, and global acceptance of polyherbal hepatoprotective therapies.