Research Article Details
Article ID: | A18954 |
PMID: | 26852185 |
Source: | Br J Clin Pharmacol |
Title: | The role of nutraceuticals for the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. |
Abstract: | Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) represents the most common chronic liver disease. It is characterized by a wide spectrum of hepatic changes, which may progress to liver fibrosis and to cirrhosis. NAFLD is considered as the hepatic component of the metabolic syndrome but mechanisms underlying the onset and progression of NAFLD are still under investigation. The traditional 'two hit hypothesis' has been developed within a more complex 'multiple parallel hit hypothesis' which comprises a wide spectrum of parallel hits. Many therapeutic approaches have been proposed so far and several types of nutraceuticals have been suggested for the treatment of NAFLD and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), the most promising of which are those with antioxidant effects. In particular, vitamin E appears to be effective for the treatment of nondiabetic subjects with more advanced NASH, although the high suggested daily dosages are a matter of concern. Moreover, polyphenols reduce liver fat accumulation, mainly by inhibiting lipogenesis. At present, there are insufficient data to support the use of vitamin C supplements in patients with NAFLD. Data on polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) supplementation are heterogeneous, and no well-designed randomized controlled studies (RCTs) of adequate size, with histological assessment of steatosis, have been conducted. Based on the available data, silymarin supplementation for the treatment of NAFLD seems to have a favourable effect. The results with anti-inflammatory agents, such as vitamin D and carnitine are uncertain. In conclusion, there are insufficient data either to support or refute the use of nutraceuticals for subjects with NAFLD. Further RTCs, with histological changes as an outcome measure, are needed. |
DOI: | 10.1111/bcp.12899 |

Strategy ID | Therapy Strategy | Synonyms | Therapy Targets | Therapy Drugs | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
S03 | Anti-fibrosis | fibrosis | Angiotensin Receptor Blocker (ARB); CCR2/CCR5 antagonist; Thyroid receptor β agonist; PEGylated human FGF21 analogue; Monoclonal antibody to lysyl oxidase-like 2 (LOXL2); Galectin-3 inhibitor; FGF19 variant | Losartan; Cenicriviroc; VK-2809; MGL-3196; Pegbelfermin; Simtuzumab; GR-MD-02; NGM282 | Details |
S05 | Anti-inflammatory | inflammatory | Bile acid; TNF-a inhibitor; Dual PPAR-α and -δ agonists; Toll-Like Receptor; (TLR)-4 antagonist; Caspase inhibitor; ASK-1 inhibitor | Ursodeoxycholic Acid; Pentoxifylline; Elafibranor; JKB-121; Emricasan; Selonsertib; | Details |
Diseases ID | DO ID | Disease Name | Definition | Class |
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Drug ID | Drug Name | Type | DrugBank ID | Targets | Category | Latest Progress | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
D545 | Pig placenta extract | Biological extract | -- | -- | -- | Under clinical trials | Details |
D258 | Omega 3 PUFA | Chemical drug | DB11133 | PPARG ligand; PPARA activator | Hypolipidemic drug | Under clinical trials | Details |
D386 | Vitamin C | Supplement | DB00126 | PLOD2 cofactor; PLOD3 cofactor; DBH cofactor; P3H1 cofactor; P3H2 cofactor; P3H3 cofactor; PLOD1 cofactor | -- | Under clinical trials | Details |
D387 | Vitamin D | Supplement | DB11094 | -- | Vitamin source drug | Under clinical trials | Details |
D388 | Vitamin E | Supplement | DB00163 | NR1I2; ALOX5; DGKA | Anti-inflammatory | Under clinical trials | Details |
D504 | Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids | Supplement | -- | -- | -- | Under clinical trials | Details |
D201 | L-Carnitine | Supplement | DB00583 | SLC22A4; SLC22A5; CRAT; MPO | -- | Under clinical trials | Details |
D527 | EPA/DHA | Supplement | DB11133 | -- | -- | Under clinical trials | Details |
D336 | Silymarin | Biological drug | DB14375 | -- | Antiviral; Antioxidant; Antifibrotic; Anti-inflammatory | Under clinical trials | Details |
D062 | Carnitine complex | Supplement | DB00583 | SLC22A4; SLC22A5; CRAT; MPO | -- | Under clinical trials | Details |
D125 | Epanova | Chemical drug | DB11133 | PPARG ligand; PPARA activator | Enhance lipid metabolism | Under clinical trials | Details |
D094 | Cysteamine | Chemical drug | DB00847 | GSS stimulant | Renal drug | Under clinical trials | Details |
D095 | Cysteamine bitartrate | Chemical drug | DB00847 | -- | -- | Under clinical trials | Details |