Preventive and Therapeutic Effects of Baicalein, Galangin, and Isorhamnetin in Chronic Liver Diseases: A Narrative Review

Chronic liver diseases (CLDs), including fatty liver disease, fibrosis, and cirrhosis, pose significant global health challenges due to the limitedness of therapeutic options. Flavonoids, a class of polyphenolic compounds mainly contained in natural sources and in the foods of the Mediterranean diet, have emerged as potential candidates for liver protection due to their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-fibrotic properties. Baicalein, derived from Scutellaria baicalensis, exhibits hepatoprotective effects by attenuating oxidative stress, inhibiting fibrogenesis, and modulating lipid metabolism. Galangin, a flavonoid derived from Alpinia officinarum, has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic properties, while isorhamnetin, a methylated flavonoid found in various fruits and herbs, has been shown to possess hepatoprotective qualities, as it reduces oxidative stress and mitigates inflammation in CLDs. This narrative review highlights the preventive and therapeutic potential of these three flavonoids, emphasizing their role as promising agents for managing CLDs and guiding future research.