Effects of black mulberry leaf extract on liver health and metabolic parameters in rats with high-fat diet-induced liver changes

Abstract

Aim

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) lacks a definitive treatment. Previous research indicates that fruits and vegetables may alleviate inflammatory markers and improve NAFLD outcomes. This study investigates the effects of black mulberry leaf extract on NAFLD induced by a high-fat diet in rats.

Methods

Male rats were randomized into control and high-fat diet groups. After four months on a high-fat diet, rats received black mulberry leaf extract at doses of 150, 300, and 600 mg/kg for eight weeks. Evaluations included weight, blood sugar, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and liver enzyme activities (AST, ALT).

Results

The high-fat diet resulted in increased weight (P < 0.0001), fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (P < 0.0001), triglycerides (P = 0.031), and total cholesterol (P < 0.0001), along with elevated serum levels of AST (P < 0.0001) and ALT (P = 0.009). Administration of black mulberry leaf extract significantly reduced weight (P = 0.008), FPG (P < 0.0001), total cholesterol (P = 0.0001), and ALT (P = 0.0001) and AST (P = 0.0001) levels in a dose-dependent manner at doses of 600 mg, 300 mg, and 150 mg per day.

Conclusion

Black mulberry leaf extract exhibits therapeutic potential in managing NAFLD. Further studies are warranted to comprehensively assess its impacts.