Work

Therapeutic Potential of Conyza bonariensis n‐Hexane Extract in Non‐Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Histological, Biochemical, and In Silico Insights From a High‐Fat Diet Rat Model

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a rising global health concern closely linked with obesity, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome. Despite its prevalence, there are currently no approved pharmacological treatments. Conyza bonariensis (CB), a traditional medicinal plant, has demonstrated antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and hepatoprotective properties, making it a promising candidate for NAFLD therapy. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of CB n‐hexane extract in a rat model of high‐fat diet (HFD)‐induced NAFLD. In silico molecular docking was conducted to assess the binding affinity of major bioactive constituents to NAFLD‐associated targets, including PPAR‐α, PPAR‐γ, AMPK, and SREBP‐1c. In vivo, Sprague–Dawley rats (200–300 g) were divided into six groups: control, HFD‐induced NAFLD, Silymarin Group, and three treatment groups of three doses of 250, 500, and 750 mg/kg of CB extracts for 28 days. Biochemical markers (lipid profile, complete blood profile, hemoglobin levels, and glucose parameters) and histopathological liver changes were evaluated. In vivo, extract‐treated groups showed significant improvement in liver function tests, lipid profiles, and oxidative stress markers ( p < 0.05), with the highest dose group (750 mg/kg) displaying histologically reduced hepatic steatosis and inflammation. CB n‐hexane extracts demonstrated significant hepatoprotective and metabolic regulatory effects in HFD‐induced NAFLD in rats, potentially mediated through modulation of PPAR and AMPK pathways. The integration of in silico and pharmacological data supports further exploration of CB as a potential natural therapeutic for NAFLD.

Source: Food Science & Nutrition

DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.70950