Beneficial Effects of Plant-Derived Natural Products on Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Adv Exp Med Biol. 2021:1308:257-272. doi: 10.1007/978-3-030-64872-5_18.

Abstract

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is becoming in one of the most prevalent liver diseases that leads to liver transplantation. This health problem is a multisystem disease with a complex pathogenesis that involves liver, adipose tissue, gut, and muscle. Although several pharmacological agents have been investigated to prevent or treat non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, currently there is no effective treatment for the management of this chronic liver disease. Nonetheless, the use of natural products has emerged as a alternative therapeutic for the treatment of hepatic diseases, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, insulin-sensitizing, antiobesity, hypolipidemic, and hepatoprotective properties. In the present review, we have discussed the evidence from experimental and clinical studies regarding the potential beneficial effects of plant-derived natural products (quercetin, resveratrol, berberine, pomegranate, curcumin, cinnamon, green tea, coffee, garlic, ginger, ginseng, and gingko biloba) for the treatment or prevention of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Keywords: Dietary supplements; NAFLD; Natural products; Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antioxidants / therapeutic use
  • Biological Products* / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Liver
  • Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease* / drug therapy
  • Resveratrol

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Biological Products
  • Resveratrol