Effect of Ziziphus jujuba Mill., Cichorium intybus L. and Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn. Combination Extract on Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Rats

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) includes a range of liver damage from early steatosis to cirrhosis. Although NAFLD prevalence in the world is increasing, but there is no effective treatment for it.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of combined extract of jujube, chicory and silymarin on NAFLD induced by high-fat diet (HFD) in rats.

In this experimental study 40 male rats randomly were divided in two groups: a negative control group (n = 8) and a high-fat diet group (n = 32). After 4 months of feeding with HFD, rats were assigned into 4 groups (n = 8) including an HFD group and three groups receiving HFD and the extract at 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg for 2 months. Finally, lipid profile, liver enzymes activity and liver histology were investigated.

High-fat diet increased cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL and decreased HDL levels (P<0.001). This diet also increased serum activity hepatic enzymes and lipid accumulation in liver tissue. Receiving the extract improved lipid profile and hepatic enzyme activity, dose-dependently. Histopathology of liver confirmed the change induced by HFD and protective effect of extract.

Treatment with combined extracts of jujube, chicory and silymarin improves high-fat diet (HFD) induced NAFLD in rats.