Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 28, 2026
07:03
In Vitro Modeling of Fat Deposition in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease
Published on: July 19, 2024
Natural Plant-Derived Compounds Targeting Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in NAFLD-Mechanisms and Repositioning
Rafailia-Eirini Theodorou1, Nikiforos Vrettos1, Panagiotis Theodosis-Nobelos1
1Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, Frederick University, Nicosia 1036, Cyprus.
Current Issues in Molecular Biology
|May 27, 2026
Summary
Natural compounds show promise in combating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. Further clinical research is needed to confirm their efficacy and safety as complementary NAFLD therapies.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology and Pharmacology
- Natural Product Chemistry
Background:
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a prevalent liver condition, often linked to metabolic syndrome and exacerbated by inflammation and oxidative stress.
- Advanced NAFLD can progress to hepatocellular carcinoma, highlighting the need for effective therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence on natural compounds for their potential in managing NAFLD.
- To explore the repositioning of these compounds as multi-targeted agents for NAFLD treatment.
Main Methods:
- Evaluation of in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies on natural compounds.
- Focus on compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and multi-functional properties.
Main Results:
- Natural compounds demonstrated benefits including reduced lipid accumulation, improved insulin resistance, and modulated inflammatory cytokines.
- Observed improvements in liver enzymes and histological features of steatosis were reported in several studies.
- Compounds showed potential in attenuating oxidative stress markers.
Conclusions:
- Plant-derived compounds exhibit favorable safety profiles and multi-targeted therapeutic potential for NAFLD.
- Further rigorous clinical studies are essential to establish efficacy, optimal dosing, pharmacokinetics, and safety for NAFLD management.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Radical Autoxidation
The oxidation of an organic compound in the presence of air or oxygen is called autoxidation. For example, cumene reacts with oxygen to form hydroperoxide. Autoxidation involves initiation, propagation, and termination steps. Many organic compounds are susceptible to autoxidation—especially ethers in the presence of oxygen, which form hydroperoxides. Even though this reaction is slow, old ether bottles contain small amounts of peroxide, which leads to laboratory explosions during ether...
01:26Atherosclerosis III: Management
Management of atherosclerosis involves an integrated strategy encompassing pharmacological treatment, surgical interventions, lifestyle changes, and nutrition therapy to address the multifactorial nature of the disease.Pharmacological TherapyA cornerstone of atherosclerosis management is the use of pharmacological agents. Statins, such as atorvastatin, are pivotal in inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that catalyzes an initial step in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This reduction in...