作为一种解毒和代谢器官，肝脏在人类健康中起着至关重要的作用。然而，过量药物和毒素的摄入，致病病毒的暴露以及不健康的生活习惯会导致肝脏损伤，甚至可能发展为肝硬化和肝癌。淫羊藿（Epimedium brevicornum Maxim.）是一种传统的中药和膳食补充剂，其中黄酮苷异卡路酮是其主要功能成分。尽管异卡路酮及其代谢物对肝损伤的保护机制尚未全面理解，但越来越多的研究已经确认了它们的肝保护和抗癌效应。事实上，异卡路酮是异卡路酮的一种代谢物，目前被用作抗癌药物的活性成分之一。本文综述了异卡路酮及其代谢物在预防和治疗肝损伤发生和发展中的分子机制，并为进一步研究和应用肝保护提供了全面的参考。版权所有 © 2023. Elsevier公司出版。

As a detoxification and metabolism organ, the liver plays a vital role in human health. However, an excessive consumption of drugs and toxins, exposure to pathogenic viruses, and unhealthy living habits can lead to liver damage, which may even develop into liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. Epimedium brevicornum Maxim. is a traditional Chinese medicine and dietary supplement in which the flavonoid icariin is a main functional component. Although the protective mechanisms of icariin and its metabolites against liver injury are not yet comprehensively understood, an increasing number of studies have confirmed their liver-protective and anticancer effects. Indeed, icaritin, one of the metabolites of icariin, is currently utilized as an active component of an anti-cancer drug. This paper presents a review of the molecular mechanisms through which icariin and its metabolites actively protect against the occurrence and development of liver injury, and, thus, provides a comprehensive reference for further research and their application in liver protection.Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier Ltd.