Role of Artichoke Leaf Extract as Antioxidant in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease of Adult Male Albino Rats

Abstract

: Background: The artichoke plant, scientifically known as Cynara scolymus, is often planted in Mediterranean regions. It has a notable abundance of antioxidants. This research aims to evaluate the medical capacity of artichoke in modulating biochemical oxidant and antioxidant enzymes, as well as liver biomarkers, in adult male albino rats with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Methods: The rats were allocated into three distinct cohorts for the purpose of the study: a control group, a group that was provided with a high-fat diet to induce hyperlipidemia, and a group that received treatment with artichoke leaf extract. Following the conclusion of the experimental phase, blood samples were obtained and subjected to analysis to assess the lipid profile, liver enzyme activity, as well as the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX). Additionally, liver specimens had been subjected to examination using a light microscope. Results: Artichoke extract improved blood serum lipids in rats with NAFLD. Triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), and TC/HDL and LDL/HDL ratios decreased significantly. HDL values also rose. The treatment with artichoke extract to rats with NAFLD significantly reduced liver enzyme levels. In the group with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), artichoke extract restored GSH and MDA levels to normal levels. Conclusions: The use of artichoke in rat models of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) had a relation to diminished indicators of oxidative stress.