Background:
Non-alcoholic Fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is becoming a major global
health burden in the world. Cynara cardunculus is an edible plant growing wild in the North of
Algeria. Its potential as a source of health-promoting compounds is still underexplored.
Objectives:
This study aimed to explore the preventive effect of Cynara cardunculus
(C.cardunculus) on the NAFLD model.
Methods:
Total flavonoid contents (TFC) and in vitro antioxidant effects of butanolic (n-
BuTOH) and ethyl acetate (EtOAc) fractions on scavenging the ABTS+ radical, inhibition of lipid
peroxidation and reducing power proprieties were assessed. The n-ButOH fraction showed
the highest TFC and antioxidant capacity in all realized assays. This fraction is used for anti-
NAFLD experiments. Adult male Albinos mice were divided into four groups. Group 1 was
normal control. Group 2 was watered with 30% of fructose for three weeks to induce the
NAFLD model. Group 3 and Group 4 were co-treated with C. cardunculus n-ButOH fractions
and Atorvastatin, respectively for three weeks. Blood and livers were collected for biochemical
and histological analysis.
Results:
The C. cardunculus n-ButOH fractions significantly restored levels of transaminases,
triglycerides, cholesterol, LDL, glucose and uric acid. The n-ButOH fraction exerted an improving
effect on the body and liver weight and liver index. It also significantly corrected the imbalance
in liver MDA and GSH levels. The n-ButOH fractions further ameliorated abnormalities in
liver histology through suppression of lipid droplet accumulation.
Conclusion:
This research proves that the flavonoid-rich fraction of C. cardunculus has protective
activity against high fructose intake in mice via reversing hyperlipidemia and boosting liver
antioxidant capacity.