Effect of 8 Weeks Resistance Training with Zataria Multiflora Supplementation on Liver Enzymes, Hepatic Steatosis Index in Men with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver

Due to the protective effects of resistance training and Zataria Multiflora supplementation on hepatocytes, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of 8 weeks of resistance training with supplementation of Zataria multiflora on liver enzymes, hepatic steatosis index of men with non-alcoholic fatty liver.

In this semi-experimental study, subjects were randomly assigned into four groups: control, resistance training, supplementation of Zataria multiflora and resistance training with Zataria multiflora supplementation. The training program consist of eight weeks resistance exercise training for, 3 sessions per week, each session with intensity of 80-50% one repetition maximum. For Zataria multiflora supplementation, the Barij capsule was used for 8 weeks, three and half hours before meals. Blood samples were taken to evaluate the status of liver steatosis and liver enzymes (AST, ALT and GGT) before and after the exercise program. For data analysis one-way analysis of variance was used at a significant level of 0.05.

The results showed that resistance training alone and in combination with Zataria multiflora supplementation improve lipid profile (Increased HDL (p<0.001 and p<0.003, respectively), reduction of cholesterol (p<0.02 and p<0.001, respectively), LDL (p<0.003 and p<0.001, respectively) and triglyceride (p<0.002 and p<0.001, respectively)), compared to control group. However, such significant effect was not observed as a result of Zataria multiflora supplementation on the mentioned variables. In addition, eight weeks of resistance training with and without Zataria multiflora supplementation had a significant effect on hepatic steatosis index and hepatic enzyme levels (AST, ALT and GGT) (p<0.05).

According to these findings, it can be concluded that resistance training and not Zataria multiflora supplementation may be a beneficial intervention to improve indicators related to fatty liver (GCT, AST and ALT) in people with non-alcoholic fatty liver. However, understanding its mechanism requires further research.