Jiangzhi Paizhuo Decoction Combined with Silibinin Capsules Improve the Outcomes of Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease

The study aimed to evaluate the impact of combining silibinin capsules with Jiangzhi Paizhuo Decoction (JZPZ) versus silibinin capsules alone in patients with MAFLD. The research was carried out at the Xi'an Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine using a case-control design following to STROBE guideline. Eligible participants meeting the inclusion criteria were randomly allocated into two groups. The participants in control group and intervention group were assigned to receive oral administration of 70 mg (3 times daily) silibinin capsules or 70 mg silibinin capsules (3 times daily) plus colon dialysis with 150 ml JZPZ decoction for 8 weeks. The primary outcome and secondary outcome on the effects of JZPZ decoction in MAFLD were detected. We found that liver function significantly improved in both groups after treatment (p < 0.05) compared with the baseline. Importantly, JZPZ decoction was associated with significant decrease in hepatic steatosis (CAP changes: −18.91 ± 11.50 vs −26.86 ± 16.62, P = 0.0305). The JZPZ decoction reduced significantly the TCM syndromes score compared to control (−5.74 ± 0.95 versus −7.17 ± 1.23, P < 0.0001). Meanwhile, the weight and BMI in JZPZ group increased significantly more than control group (P = 0.0003, P < 0.0001). In conclusion, the JZPZ decoction combined with silibinin capsules in the treatment of MAFLD patients with liver depression and heat syndrome has more advantages in decreasing hepatic steatosis and TCM syndromes scores. It is worthy of clinical recommendation.