Indonesian traditional medicinal plants with potential for hepatitis treatment: a systematic review

Hepatitis remains a major global health issue, especially in regions with limited treatment access. Conventional therapies are often costly and carry side effects. Indonesian traditional medicinal plants, long used for liver disorders, offer promising alternatives due to their antiviral and hepatoprotective properties. This systematic review synthesizes data from studies using in vitro, in vivo, in silico, and ethnobotanical approaches to assess the antihepatitis potential of these plants. Seventy-eight species from 39 families were identified, with Phyllanthus niruri, Curcuma longa, and Artocarpus heterophyllusshowing strong activity. In vitrostudies highlighted antiviral effects, while in vivo studies demonstrated hepatoprotective actions. Ethnobotanical data supported traditional use by local communities. These findings suggest that Indonesian medicinal plants may offer effective, affordable alternatives for hepatitis treatment. However, clinical trials are needed to confirm their efficacy and safety in humans.