Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (FLD) is a worldwide common liver disorder. Tragopogon graminifolius is used as a dietary supplement for liver disorders. This study aimed to assess the beneficial effects of a standardized preparation from T. graminifolius extract (TGE) in animal model of FLD induced by high-fat diet (HFD). The standardization of TGE based on phenolic compounds was performed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. The HFD induced metabolic and hepatic damages. TGE significantly reduced the elevations of serum triglyceride, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and hepatic enzymes (p =.001 for 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg of TGE). Histopathological studies also confirmed beneficial effects of TGE in FLD. Activity of total antioxidant power, content of total thiol, myeloperoxidase (MPO) enzyme activity, and lipid peroxidation were significantly improved (p <.001). Dietary supplementation with TGE results in improvement of biochemical as well as histopathological parameters. Clinical trials are warranted to prove its efficacy and tolerability in patients with FLD.
Keywords: Tragopogon graminifolius; dietary supplement; fatty liver; medicinal plant; oxidative stress.