Role of the Liver Capsule as a Traditional Medicine Formulation in the Treatment of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Rats

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver injury all over the world. Its main characteristic is a fat accumulation in the liver, which is not due to alcohol abuse. This study was aimed at investigating the therapeutic and protective effect of a traditional, complementary product called the liver capsule on NAFLD. NAFLD was induced by a high-fat diet (HFD). Forty male Wistar rats were divided into eight groups; consisting of: standard control, HFD control, lifestyle modification, post-treatment, co-treatment, and treatment. The effectiveness of liver capsules was examined through assessment of liver enzymes, biochemical parameters, antioxidant levels, and lipid peroxidation.We also performed histological examination on liver tissues. Statistical analysis was performed, and p values less than 0.05 were considered significant. Treatment with l capsule lowered hepatic damage markers, serum glucose level, and serum lipid levels. Rats treated with liver capsule had enhanced antioxidant activity and reduced lipid peroxidation. The higher dose (10 mg/kg) presented lower levels in all the parameters mentioned. Longer duration of treatment in co-treatment groups caused an increase in oxidation activity. The liver capsule could not decrease biochemical markers to baseline in animals without lifestyle modification ( p > 0.05). Accordingly, the liver capsule has both therapeutic and protective effects on NAFLD owing to multi-target mechanisms and can be a candidate for further assessments in clinical studies. Our traditional product showed a therapeutic effect, but it seems that lifestyle modification plays a key role in the therapeutic process for NAFLD.