Boerhavia erecta: A Phytopharmacological Potential in Gall Stone Prevention- A Review on Hepatoprotective, Choleretic and Lipid Modulating Mechanism

Gallstone disease affects ten to twenty percent of the global population and is characterized by oxidative stress, inflammation, bile stagnation, and cholesterol saturation. Amongst the hepatoprotective Opuntia relatives, the same phytochemicals (betalains, flavonoids, phenolics, and mucilage) are shared with Boerhavia erecta, a member of the Cactaceae family that has been traditionally used for gallbladder conditions and jaundice. This review summarizes the evidence from related Cactaceae: In CCl4 models, extracts from Opuntia ficus-indica decrease liver enzymes (ALT/AST), trap ROS by Nrf2/HO-1 activation, block COX-2/TNF-α inflammation, reduce serum cholesterol (15-61%) through phytosterol/fiber binding, enhance bile flow (20-50% increase), and regulate blood glucose (20-46% glucose drop). In toxicity models with choleretic effects, the roots of Boerhavia erecta normalize bilirubin and proteins. Boerhavia erecta is a potential herbal supplement for gallstone prevention as integrated processes target enterohepatic dysregulation. Clinical validation is needed.