What Are Hepatoprotective Drugs?

Friends who smoke frequently are at higher risk of liver damage, so they should consider taking hepatoprotective medications regularly to help prevent liver disease. But what are the commonly used hepatoprotective drugs?

Common Hepatoprotective Drugs

Hepatoprotective medications commonly include Hu Gan Pian (Liver-Protecting Tablets), San Qi Hu Gan Pian (Notoginseng Liver-Protecting Tablets), and Hu Gan Ning Pian (Liver-Protecting & Calming Tablets).

Hu Gan Pian (Liver-Protecting Tablets): A widely used traditional Chinese patent medicine, typically composed of ingredients such as Isatis root (Ban Lan Gen), Schisandra fruit (Wu Wei Zi), mung beans, and Bupleurum root (Chai Hu). It is indicated for chronic hepatitis and early-stage liver cirrhosis.

Hu Gan Ning Pian (Liver-Protecting & Calming Tablets): Contains active herbal components including Salvia miltiorrhiza (Dan Shen), Ganoderma lucidum (Ling Zhi), Artemisia vulgaris (Peng Hao), and Polygonum cuspidatum (Hu Zhang). It is used in the treatment of both acute and chronic hepatitis.

San Qi Zhi Gan Pian (Notoginseng-Fried Licorice Tablets): Composed of Notoginseng (San Qi), lotus leaf, green tangerine peel (Lu Pi), Atractylodes macrocephala (Bai Zhu), and chrysanthemum flower. Dosage varies depending on individual health status and disease severity. Always follow your physician’s instructions—do not self-medicate, as inappropriate use may adversely affect your health.

There are many types of liver diseases. Currently, three primary preventive strategies exist:

1. Prevention of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC): Avoid hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection; refrain from consuming leftover or overnight food; avoid moldy or fermented nuts and dried fruits; abstain from smoking and alcohol; limit intake of grilled or barbecued meats to reduce exposure to benzopyrene.

2. Prevention of chronic hepatitis B and C: Ensure blood transfusions are performed using screened, safe blood products to minimize hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission. When cohabiting with HBV-infected individuals, avoid sharing utensils or personal hygiene items. Practice safe sex using appropriate protective measures.

We hope this information is helpful to you!