POTENTIAL RESTORATION OF FATTY LIVER ENZYMES WITH STEVIA REBAUDIANA

Abstract

Background: Obesity is a prevalent issue affecting a growing number of individuals globally. It is a systemic disorder with complications and co-morbidities. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a disastrous outcome of metabolic syndrome induced by obesity. Objective of this study was to find the effect of Stevia leaves in restoration of liver function tests (ALT, AST, ALP, and Bilirubin) in obese Sprague Dawley rats. Methods: This animal experimental study was carried out in the Physiology Department, in collaboration with the Pathology Department of Islamabad Medical and Dental College, and National Institute of Health, Islamabad on 90 healthy male Sprague Dawley rats over a period of 14 weeks. The animals were divided randomly into three groups of 30 rats each. Group 1 was given normal diet while Groups 2 and Group 3 were given high fat diet. Stevia leaves were further added for six weeks in the diet of Group 3. Results: High fat diet induced NAFLD in rats was ameliorated significantly on treatment with stevia. On comparison of liver function tests in obese control with stevia treated group, the values of ALT and AST were significantly decreased (p<0.05). However, ALP and bilirubin were not decreased significantly. Conclusion: Stevia rebaudiana exerts hepatoprotective effect in restoring liver damage due to high fat diet induced NAFLD in Sprague Dawley rats. Pak J Physiol 2024;20(1):22-5