The invention relates generally to compositions comprising antioxidants useful for reducing oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation, and treating chronic liver disease, chronic hepatitis C virus infection and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. In particular, the invention relates to the preparation and oral administration of compositions comprising glycyrrhizin, schisandra, ascorbic acid, L-glutathione, silymarin, lipoic acid, and d-alpha-tocopherol. The invention also relates to the preparation and parenteral administration of compositions comprising glycyrrhizin, ascorbic acid, L-glutathione, and vitamin B-complex, preferably by infusion or intravenous injection. The invention further relates to methods of using the antioxidants, oral compositions and parenteral compositions.