Literature Review on the Use of Herbal Extracts in the Treatment of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is a common chronic liver injury disease, and its incidence is rapidly increasing across the globe, thus becoming a serious threat to human health. So far, the clinical prevention and treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease mainly include single-targeted drug therapy, surgical treatment and lifestyle changes. However, these treatments cannot completely address the complex pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and have various side effects. Recent studies reveal that many herbal extracts are found to have potential anti-non-alcoholic fatty liver disease activities. Objective: This paper presents a review on herbal extracts used for the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in experimental studies to provide a theoretical basis for their clinical application in the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and for new drug development. Methods: Scientific papers were retrieved by searching the PubMed database up to Feb 2021 using the following keywords: 'non-alcoholic fatty liver disease', 'herbal extracts' ('flavonoids', 'saponins', 'quinones', 'phenolic compounds', 'alkaloids', 'polysaccharides', 'ginkgolide B', 'schizandrin B', 'ursolic acid') and 'mechanism'. Results: The pharmacological effects and mechanisms of many herbal extracts can reverse the adverse health effects of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Conclusion: In vitro and in vivo experimental studies indicated that herbal extracts can improve the symptoms of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by inhibiting inflammation, antioxidant stress, improvement of lipid metabolism and insulin sensitivity and regulating intestinal bacteria flora. However, there needs to be sufficient data from human clinical trials to prove their efficacy and safety.