Abstract
Background: Non-alcoholic Fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is becoming a major global health burden in the world. Cynara cardunculus is an edible plant growing wild in the North of Algeria. Its potential as a source of health-promoting compounds is still underexplored.
Objectives: This study aimed to explore the preventive effect of Cynara cardunculus (C. cardunculus) on the NAFLD model.
Methods: Total flavonoid contents (TFC) and in vitro antioxidant effects of butanolic (n- BuTOH) and ethyl acetate (EtOAc) fractions on scavenging the ABTS+ radical, inhibition of lipid peroxidation and reducing power proprieties were assessed. The n-ButOH fraction showed the highest TFC and antioxidant capacity in all realized assays. This fraction is used for anti- NAFLD experiments. Adult male Albinos mice were divided into four groups. Group 1 was normal control. Group 2 was watered with 30% of fructose for three weeks to induce the NAFLD model. Group 3 and Group 4 were co-treated with C. cardunculus n-ButOH fractions and Atorvastatin, respectively for three weeks. Blood and livers were collected for biochemical and histological analysis.
Results: The C. cardunculus n-ButOH fractions significantly restored levels of transaminases, triglycerides, cholesterol, LDL, glucose and uric acid. The n-ButOH fraction exerted an improving effect on the body and liver weight and liver index. It also significantly corrected the imbalance in liver MDA and GSH levels. The n-ButOH fractions further ameliorated abnormalities in liver histology through suppression of lipid droplets accumulation.
Conclusion: This research proves that the flavonoid-rich fraction of C. cardunculus has protective activity against high fructose intake in mice via reversing hyperlipidemia and boosting liver antioxidant capacity.
Keywords: Fructose, Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), oxidative stress, lipid profile, Cynara cardunculus, wild Artichoke, antioxidant, mice.
Graphical Abstract
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