Bioactive Compounds in Herbal Remedies: Friend or Foe in Hepatic and Renal Health?

Herbal remedies have been used for centuries in various cultures for the treatment of diseases, with bioactive compounds as their core therapeutic agents. These compounds, including flavonoids, alkaloids, glycosides, and saponins, are known to possess potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective properties. However, there is an increasing concern about their safety, especially concerning their effects on liver and kidney health. While certain bioactive compounds can provide therapeutic benefits, they may also induce hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity when used improperly or over long durations. This review critically examines both the positive and negative impacts of bioactive compounds in herbal remedies on hepatic and renal health, focusing on mechanisms of action, histopathological evidence, and risk factors influencing toxicity. The review highlights the need for more rigorous safety assessments, standardization of herbal products, and consideration of individual patient factors, such as pre-existing liver or kidney conditions. It also calls for the establishment of regulatory frameworks for herbal medicine to ensure their safety in clinical practice. Keywords: Bioactive compounds; Herbal remedies; Hepatotoxicity; Nephrotoxicity; Liver and kidney health