Evaluation of hepatoprotective effect of Acacia catechu stem bark extract on high fat and high fructose diet induced metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease in experimental animals

Abstract

Abstract Objectives This study evaluated the hepatoprotective effect of an ethanolic extract of A. catechu stem bark (ACSB) in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) induced by a high-fat and high-fructose (HFHFr) diet. Methods The HFHFr model was developed over 10 weeks. After six weeks of induction, ACSB was administered orally at 100 and 200 mg/kg for four weeks, while the standard group received pioglitazone (3 mg/kg). Biochemical, lipid, inflammatory, and histopathological parameters were evaluated. Results HFHFr administration produced significant alterations in lipid, biochemical, inflammatory, and liver function parameters, along with histopathological changes. ACSB treatment improved these alterations in a dose-dependent manner, with 200 mg/kg showing effects. Conclusions ACSB demonstrated hepatoprotective and antihyperlipidemic effects against HFHFr-induced MASLD, potentially associated with its flavonoid and polyphenolic constituents.