Recent Perspectives on the Physiological and Therapeutic Benefits of Placental Extracts in Chronic Noninfectious Diseases and Aging

INTRODUCTION: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including metabolic disorders, cardiovascular diseases, liver pathologies, and age-related syndromes, are a major global health challenge. Human placental extract (HPE) and related formulations, such as Laennec and porcinederived extracts, have been investigated as cell-free therapeutic agents capable of modulating physiological and immunological pathways. METHODS: A systematic literature review was conducted using PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, Google Scholar, and the National Library of Medicine databases. Only original English-language research articles were included. Data were extracted on the biochemical composition, mechanisms of action, and therapeutic outcomes of placental extracts in preclinical and clinical studies. RESULTS: HPE was shown to enhance liver function by reducing oxidative stress, promoting hepatocyte regeneration, and regulating apoptosis and autophagy. In metabolic disorders and cachexia, it preserved muscle and adipose tissue and alleviated symptoms of cirrhosis and metabolic dysfunction- associated steatohepatitis. Laennec and porcine extracts improved iron metabolism, reduced hepatic fibrosis, and enhanced glucose regulation in type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Additional reported effects included anti-aging properties, relief in chronic fatigue syndrome, and dermatological benefits, such as reduced hair loss and improved allergic contact dermatitis. DISCUSSION: Placental extracts, such as HPE, Laennec, and porcine formulations, show promise for treating NCDs, including metabolic disorders, liver pathologies, and age-related syndromes. Preclinical and clinical studies highlight their mechanisms, which involve reducing oxidative stress, promoting hepatocyte regeneration, regulating apoptosis/autophagy, and improving iron metabolism and glucose control. Benefits include alleviating cirrhosis, type 2 diabetes, cachexia, chronic fatigue, and dermatological issues like hair loss. While the evidence is encouraging, largescale trials are needed to confirm their efficacy and the underlying molecular pathways. CONCLUSION: Placental extracts exhibited diverse therapeutic effects across multiple NCDs, mediated by immunomodulatory, antioxidative, and metabolic regulatory mechanisms. While current evidence from preclinical and clinical studies is promising, large-scale, rigorously designed trials are needed to validate efficacy and clarify molecular pathways.