However, only a small group of medicines exert selective action on liver. This group of medicines called hepatoprotectors.

Essentiale Forte is one of the most top selling hepatoprotective drugs which protects and restores liver cells. Essential Forte is a natural-based medication with a high effectiveness and safety profile proven in many clinical trials.

Despite the fact that there are a lot of causes of liver diseases, the main links of their pathogenesis are universal. The leading mechanism of liver injury is damage of membranes in hepatocytes, leading to metabolism disorders and consequent cell death. Damages of hepatocytes is usually characterized by violation of phospholipids biosynthesis. Phospholipids are the most important components of cellular membranes. They regulate membrane permeability and participate in the processes of molecular transport, play an important role in ion exchange, in the processes of biological oxidation in intracellular respiration, oxidative phosphorylation. Deficiency of phospholipids in the liver cells leads to pathological changes in the membranous structure and enzymatic systems.

Essentiale forte contains a complex of natural essential phospholipids. The substance of essential phosholipids represents a highly purified extract of soybeans containing mainly phosphatidylcholine molecule with a high concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids (linolenic and oleic). The molecules of essential phospholipids embed into the membrane of damaged hepatocyte, restoring its structure and function. Unsaturated fatty acids of phospholipids increase the activity and fluidity of membranes, reduce the density and normalize the permeability of phospholipid structures. Normalization of membranous structure helps to eliminate or decrease fatty infiltration of hepatocytes.

The use of essential phospholipids promotes the normalization of the structural and functional integrity of cell membranes of hepatocytes and restores normal cell metabolism.

Essentiale forte is indicated for the treatment of the following conditions:

• Chronic hepatitis
• Toxic liver damage (heavy metals, drugs, alcoholism)
• Liver cirrhosis
• Psoriasis
• Liver damage associated with radiation
• Alcoholic fatty liver

Essentiale forte is produced in many pharmaceutical forms such as capsules and solution for injections. Due to its good tolerability the medication is classified as OTC (over-the-counter drug) meaning that it can be bought without the prior prescription. Possible and very rare Essentiale side effects include: nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, hives, atopic dermatitis.

Essentiale forte is convenient for the majority of patients. It is only contraindicated for patients with hypersensitivity, children under 1 year of age.