Onion Polyphenols as Multi-Target-Directed Ligands in MASLD: A Preliminary Molecular Docking Study

Area of Science:

• Nutraceutical research
• Hepatology
• Computational chemistry

Background:

• Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is increasingly prevalent, affecting up to 60% in high-risk groups.
• Current MASLD management relies on lifestyle changes, lacking specific pharmacological treatments.
• Nutraceuticals offer a promising avenue for developing safe and effective MASLD therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify potential therapeutic compounds from onions for MASLD treatment.
• To investigate the interaction of onion compounds with key molecular targets in MASLD.

Main Methods:

• In silico analysis of a library of onion compounds.
• Computational screening against HMG-CoA reductase, liver X receptors (α and β), and PPARs (α and γ).

Main Results:

• Identification of novel, promising molecules from onions with potential therapeutic effects on MASLD.
• Demonstration of potential interactions between specific onion compounds and key MASLD-related targets.

Conclusions:

• Onion-derived compounds show potential as a novel therapeutic strategy for MASLD.
• Further research into these identified molecules could lead to new MASLD treatments.