Thymus atlanticus Supplementation Attenuates Hepatic Steatosis in High-Fat Diet Fed Guinea Pigs

The protective effect of Thymus atlanticus aqueous extracts against hepatic steatosis and hyperlipidemia in high-fat diet (HFD) fed guinea pigs was evaluated. Twenty-four male guinea pigs were randomly divided into four groups and orally administered daily for 3 months with a normal basal diet for the normal control group, normal basal diet supplemented with thyme extract (400 mg kg-1) for extract-treated group, HFD group, or HFD supplemented with thyme extract (400 mg kg-1) group. The results showed that HFD intake elevated blood and hepatic lipids and altered the markers and histology of the liver. The administration of T. atlanticus extract decreased liver weight (-26.61%) and plasmatic and hepatic lipids (cholesterol: -54.05%; triglycerides: -43.91%), compared to the HFD group. Additionally, thyme extract improved the altered hepatic markers and reduced hepatocyte ballooning and lipid droplets accumulation. Our findings suggest that the dietary intake of T. atlanticus aqueous extract could prevent the development of hepatic steatosis.