Ameliorative effects of <i>Cirsium japonicum</i> extract and main component cirsimaritin in mice model of high‐fat diet‐induced metabolic dysfunction‐associated fatty liver disease
Denis Nchang, Jae Young Shin, Hyun Ju Kang, Byoung Ok Cho, Ji Hyeon Park, Feng Wang, Suping Hao, Jae Suk Sim, Dong Jun Sim, Seon Il Jang
Abstract
Abstract The objective of this study was to determine biological effects of Cirsium japonicum extract and its main component cirsimaritin on high‐fat diet (HFD)‐induced metabolic dysfunction‐associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) in a mouse model. Mice were fed with a HFD to induce MAFLD and simultaneously administered with C . japonicum extract (CJE) or cirsimaritin. Various MAFLD biomarkers were evaluated using biological methods. Results demonstrated that triglyceride, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and malondialdehyde levels in the liver of mice were significantly reduced upon administration of CJE or cirsimaritin. Treatment with CJE or cirsimaritin also reduced the severity of liver injury in the experimental mouse model of MAFLD by inhibiting hepatic steatosis, oxidative stress, inflammation, and liver fibrosis. These results demonstrate that CJE and cirsimaritin as its main compound have a preventive action against the progression of hepatic steatosis to fibrosis and cirrhosis. Our study suggests that CJE and cirsimaritin might be promising agents for preventing and/or treating MAFLD.