Impact of sutherlandia frutescens on hepatic steatosis in high-fat fed rats

Abstract

Hepatic steatosis is closely associated with development of obesity and type II diabetes mellitus. Western medicine for these metabolic conditions is less accessible to many developing countries because of cost, availability and need for clinical monitoring. These impediments might be addressed by development of evidence-based phytotherapies, especially those that are currently used and for which evidence of safety and efficacy can be provided ... Overall, this study provides a better understanding of the beneficial effects of Sutherlandia on hepatic steatosis by showing that consumption of this plant extract reduced HFD-induced accumulation of hepatic triglycerides by a mechanism that may involve increased fatty acid oxidation. This medicinal plant, therefore, may be a promising phytotherapy for hepatic conditions involving excess triglyceride accumulation.