Stevia Prevents Acute and Chronic Liver Injury Induced by Carbon Tetrachloride by Blocking Oxidative Stress through Nrf2 Upregulation

Figure 6

Schematic representation of the multitarget effect of stevia on experimental liver injury. Stevia may act at many steps to prevent liver damage. The wide spectrum of activities displayed by stevia can be summarized in three main categories: antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and antifibrotic effects. Antioxidant effects can be explained by direct free radical scavenging properties, increased Nrf2, antioxidant enzymes, and GSH. The immunomodulatory properties of stevia are associated with its ability to block NF-κB and, subsequently, the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6.