A blend of Sphaeranthus indicus flower head and Terminalia chebula fruit extracts reduces fatty liver and improves liver function in non-alcoholic, overweight adults

Abstract

Background: Excessive accumulation of fat in the liver is a common clinical presentation in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The increasing prevalence of NAFLD is a growing health problem worldwide. The major risk factors of NAFLD include obesity, hyperlipidemia, and insulin resistance.Objective: The aim of the present randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was to assess the efficacy and tolerability of an herbal composition CL16049F1 in reducing fatty liver conditions and improving liver function in non-alcoholic, overweight individuals. CL16049F1 is a proprietary blend of Sphaeranthus indicus flower head and Terminalia chebula fruit extracts.Materials and Methods: Ninety male and female subjects (age: 25-60 yrs., BMI: 23-29 kg/m2) with elevated Fatty Liver Index (FLI) between 31 and 59 were randomized into three groups (n=30). The participants received a daily dose of 300mg CL16049F1, 320 mg Silymarin, or a placebo over a period of 84 consecutive days. FLI was evaluated as the primary efficacy measure. The secondary efficacy measures included the liver enzymes, lipid profile, and oxidative stress markers in serum, A 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), and Gastrointestinal symptoms (GIS) score were also evaluated. The clinical biochemistry, hematology, urine, and vital signs were evaluated as safety measures. Adverse events were also monitored.Results: Eighty-eight subjects completed the study. Post-trial, the FLI score of CL16049F1-supplemented subjects was reduced by 13.81% (p<0.05) and 16.08% (p<0.05), while the Silymarin supplemented group exhibited reductions of 7.50% (p<0.05) and 7.27% (p<0.05) as compared to baseline and placebo, respectively. CL16049F1 supplementation significantly improved the liver enzymes, lipid profile, and oxidative markers in serum. The changes in the secondary efficacy measures in these treatment groups are comparable. No major adverse events were observed.Conclusion: CL16049F1 is a well-tolerated and effective herbal formulation to reduce fatty liver and improve liver function in non-alcoholic, overweight subjects.Keywords: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, Fatty liver index, CL16049F1, hepatoprotective botanical formulation.