Evaluation effect of silybum marianum, cynara scolymus L. and ziziphus jujube mill. Combination extract on non-alcoholic fatty liver in rats

Introduction: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease includes a spectrum of clinical syndromes from early steatosis to liver cirrhosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of combined extract of silymarin, artichoke and jujube on non-alcoholic fatty liver, induced by high-fat diet in rats. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 40 male rats were divided randomly into two groups, a sham group (n=8) and a high-fat diet group (n=32). After 4 months of being fed the high-fat diet, rats suffering from fatty liver were divided into 4 groups (n=8 each) including a high-fat diet group and the three groups receiving a dose of the combined extract 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg for 2 months. Finally, lipid profiles, activity of serum liver enzymes and liver histology were investigated. Results: The high-fat diet increased Chol, TG and LDL and decreased HDL levels (P<0.001). This diet also increased serum activity of ALT, AST and ALP to 84, 113 and 228 %, respectively. Receiving extract at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg improved lipid profiles and hepatic enzyme activity (P