The role of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 in hepatoprotective activity of natural products: A review

Internal metabolism and environmental toxicant exposure can be caused to generate reactive oxygen species in human organelles which lead to oxidative stress. The nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2), a basic leucine zipper (bZip) transcription factor, controls the expression of antioxidant response element (ARE) dependent genes to regulate cellular resistance to oxidants. Nrf2 is an essential factor for hepatoprotection against drugs and xenobiotics. The key role of Nrf2 in hepatoprotection has been highlighted since Nrf2 knockout mice showed high sensitivity to xenobiotic-induced hepatotoxicity. Some natural products including polyphenols, terpenoids and alkaloids can induce Nrf2 expression as a key protein in the antioxidant defense system of hepatocytes. This review outlines natural product activators of Nrf2 that protect the liver from toxicity induced by xenobiotics.