Evaluating the Hepatoprotective and Anti-Inflammatory Efficacy of Herbal Extracts for NAFLD Prevention

Abstract

Natural products may offer a safer approach for mitigating the increasing prevalence of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). This study aimed to evaluate the hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of a water-based extract of Moringa Oleifera leaf, Milk Thistle, and Cassia (MO-MT-CA) against High-Fat, High-Sugar Diet (HFSD)-induced fatty liver. The research focuses on assessing lipid profiles and inflammation as key markers of its potential effect. The experimental animals were allocated randomly into 3 groups: 1^st healthy group was fed a standard diet, 2^nd group was fed a HFSD for 12 weeks, and 3^rd group was given HFSD or MO-MT-CA for 4 weeks. Lipid profiles, hepatic function, and inflammatory biomarkers were measured in each group. HFSD-fed rats showed elevated serum triglycerides, cholesterol, and low-density lipoproteins LDL levels. Hepatic function tests were significantly higher than in healthy rats. HFSD also increased inflammatory markers, such as Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6), as well as lipid metabolism hormones (leptin and resistin). The study introduces a potentially novel herbal blend, MO-MT-CA, and examines its beneficial impact on lipid metabolism, liver function, and inflammation, which may contribute to new therapeutic approaches for NAFLD.