A three-year review (2023–2025) on the effectiveness of natural products from plants in treating major types of fibrosis

Abstract

Background Fibrosis, or fibrotic scarring, is the body’s response to injury that leads to the formation of fibrous connective tissue. It impacts various illnesses and can contribute to mortality. Currently, there are no effective treatments targeting the release of extracellular matrix (ECM) from fibroblasts, highlighting the urgent need for new therapies. Medicinal plants and their derivatives may offer a promising alternative for treating fibrosis. Purpose This review aims to summarize the findings from reports published between 2023 and 2025 on the role of natural substances derived from plants in the treatment of four major types of fibrosis: myocardial fibrosis (MF), liver fibrosis (LF), pulmonary fibrosis (PF), and renal fibrosis (RF). Methods Data were sourced from PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and Scopus using terms related to fibrosis, such as "diagnosis," "treatment," "plant extracts," and "phytochemicals." Information on antifibrotic plant extracts and formulations from 2023 to 2025 was compiled. Results This review presents essential information on four main types of fibrosis and documents 72 botanicals. These consist of 28 individual plants studied separately and 44 combined herbal formulations. The botanicals are categorized according to the different types of fibrosis: 21 for LF, 8 for MF, 23 for PF, and 20 for RF. The review provides detailed information on 10 polyherbal formulations, which include: Guizhi Fuling Wan (GFW), Jiawei Taohe Chengqi decoction (JTCD), Longdan Xiegan Tang (LXT), and Tao-Hong-Si-Wu-Tang (THSWT) for LF; Linggui Zhugan decoction (LGZGD) and Qili Qiangxin (QLQX) for MF; Sha-Shen Mai-Dong (SMT) and Xuanfei Baidu decoction (XFBD) for PF; and Huangqi-Danshen (HDD) and Jian-Pi-Yi-Shen (JPYS) for RF. Additionally, the document lists 35 phytochemicals, which include 19 terpenoids and 16 phenolic compounds. Conclusion This work highlights that, over the past three years, numerous scientific publications have underscored the importance of medicinal plants in treating various types of fibrosis globally. To improve the management of fibrosis, it is essential to conduct both preclinical and clinical studies on these promising samples to identify potential drug candidates.