Natural compounds proposed for the management of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Summary

This narrative review examines the pathophysiology of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and synthesises evidence for natural compounds as potential therapeutic agents, targeting three key mechanisms: oxidative stress, cellular inflammation, and insulin resistance. The authors conclude that whilst natural compounds show promise in preclinical and some clinical contexts, high-level evidence for efficacy remains limited, and further clinical trials and structured lifestyle intervention research are needed to establish robust, patient-tailored recommendations for NAFLD management.

Regional applicability

The findings are relevant to United Kingdom clinical practice, where NAFLD prevalence is rising and current pharmacological options remain limited. UK practitioners and patients seeking evidence-based natural product interventions would benefit from the mechanistic overview, though the review notes that translation of promising preclinical findings into clinical efficacy requires additional UK and international trials.

Key measures

Oxidative stress markers, inflammatory cytokines, insulin resistance parameters, and hepatic steatosis endpoints in NAFLD models and patients

Outcomes reported

The review synthesised evidence on natural compounds targeting oxidative stress, cellular inflammation, and insulin resistance in NAFLD across in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies. It assessed the efficacy and mechanisms of action of plant-derived compounds as potential therapeutic interventions for NAFLD management.

Supporting research

Exact full PMC review describes dietary fibre fermentation and bile-acid/lipid metabolism, energy-restricted dietary management and curcumin clinical supplementation studies alongside pharmacological treatments. This is substantive nutritional content within a mixed clinical review.

Limits: Narrative synthesis of heterogeneous clinical/preclinical natural-compound studies; no independent verification of the cited trials, pooled effect or clinical recommendations. Current nomenclature and therapeutic statements require date/context checks before reuse.

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