A study by Azeemuddin et al assessed the effect of the extract of a hepatospecific polyherbal formulation in an experimental model of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The polyherbal formulation comprises of a mixture of Capparis spinosa, Cichorium intybus, Solanum nigrum, Terminalia arjuna, Cassia occidentalis, Achillea millefolium, and Tamarix gallica.

Feeding a HFD for a period of 15 weeks significantly impaired the lipid profile, increased hepatic enzyme markers, and insulin resistance in the experimental models. Histological examination of the liver suggested fibrotic changes and fat deposition in hepatic tissues.

Treatment with the polyherbal extract, given from week 9 onward, significantly reversed the HFD-induced changes, compared to the untreated positive control models. Furthermore, the effect seen with extract was comparable to that of pioglitazone, a drug commonly used for the management of NASH. Treatment with the extract significantly reduced steatosis, collagen deposition, and necrosis in hepatic tissues, thus highlighting its antifibrotic and antinecrotic properties.

The study thus revealed that this polyherbal formulation can effectively reverse metabolic and histological changes associated with HFD-induced NASH.

Source: Azeemuddin M, Rafiq M, Anturlikar SD, et al. Extract of a polyherbal formulation ameliorates experimental nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. J Tradit Complement Med. 2016 Apr; 6(2): 160–167.