A comprehensive review on phytochemicals for fatty liver: are they potential adjuvants?

J Mol Med (Berl). 2022 Mar;100(3):411-425. doi: 10.1007/s00109-021-02170-3. Epub 2022 Jan 7.

Abstract

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is considered the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome and, as such, is associated with obesity. With the current and growing epidemic of obesity, NAFLD is already considered the most common liver disease in the world. Currently, there is no official treatment for the disease besides weight loss. Although there are a few synthetic drugs currently being studied, there is also an abundance of herbal products that could also be used for treatment. With the World Health Organization (WHO) traditional medicine strategy (2014-2023) in mind, this review aims to analyze the mechanisms of action of some of these herbal products, as well as evaluate toxicity and herb-drug interactions available in literature.

Keywords: Fatty liver; Metabolic syndrome; NAFLD; Phytochemicals; Traditional medicine.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Metabolic Syndrome*
  • Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease* / drug therapy
  • Obesity / complications
  • Obesity / drug therapy
  • Phytochemicals / pharmacology
  • Phytochemicals / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Phytochemicals