Alternative und integrative Medizin

The Role of Genipin and Geniposide in Liver Diseases: A Review

Abstract

Sheng-xi Meng, Jing-hua Peng, Qin Feng, Jian-mei Cao and Yi-yang Hu

Liver disease is characterized by inflammation and/or tissue damage that is serious enough to impair hepatic function. Tens of millions of patients are affected by liver diseases worldwide. Geniposide is an irioidglyco compound isolated from Gardenia fruits which has been used for many years in Chinese medicine for the treatment of hepatic disorders and inflammatory diseases. Genipin, the metabolite of geniposide, is a natural product present in fruit of Gardenia jasminoides. The relative bioactivity of genipin and geniposide has been widely reported in many studies and the potential application of these compounds in the treatment of liver diseases has come to light. This review summarizes current findings on the use of geniposide and genipin in the treatment of liver disease.