Anti-inflammatory properties of Hepatodoron®, a herbal mixture of Fragaria vesca and Vitis vinifera, in treating liver inflammation

Hepatodoron ®​ is traditionally used to treat impaired liver function, including stimulation of liver activity and chronic inflammatory disorders. It is a mixture of wild strawberry leaves ( Fragaria vesca ¸ Fv) and grapevine ( Vitis vinifera , Vv). Liver inflammation, often caused by viral infections, alcohol abuse, or fatty liver disease, is a common early stage in many types of liver disease. This study investigated the anti-inflammatory properties of Hepatodoron ®​ and its individual plant components. The samples used were plant powders of Fv and Vv, as well as the mixture of those ones used in the final product (Hepatodoron mixture, Hm). Inflammation is typically characterized by the release of pro-inflammatory leukotrienes, prostaglandins, cytokines, and activation of the NF-κB pathway. We analyzed the inhibition of pro-inflammatory enzymes 5-LOX and COX-2 using recombinant human enzymes. NF-κB activation was studied in a reporter assay using the human Jurkat cell line. Hm and its individual plants strongly inhibited COX-2 enzyme activity in a concentration-dependent manner (IC 50 : 3.5, 3.2, and 3.6 μg/mL, respectively). 5-LO enzyme activity was also inhibited, with Fv showing the strongest effect, followed by Hm and Vv (IC 50 : 8.48, 25.8, and 35.8 μg/mL, respectively). Additionally, all three showed inhibitory effects on NF-κB reporter activity, with Vv showing the strongest activity (IC 50 : 264.7, 369.8 (Fv), and 370.9 (Hm) μg/mL). These data suggest that the Hepatodoron mixture is an effective treatment option for patients suffering from liver inflammation due to its potent anti-inflammatory properties. Further studies are ongoing to characterize the potential therapeutic advantages of Hepatodoron ®​ . Publication History Article published online: 05 March 2026 © 2026. Thieme. All rights reserved. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Oswald-Hesse-Straße 50, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany