EFFECT OF DIETARY INTERVENTION WITH SEEDS AND SPROUTS OF BROCCOLI ON THE NONALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER IN THE ALBINO RAT MODEL

: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affects approximately one billion individuals globally, highlighting a pressing need for effective preventive and therapeutic strategies. Broccoli, recognized for its exceptional nutrient profile, is rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, and isothiocyanates, with broccoli sprouts particularly noted for their high sulforaphane content—a compound with demonstrated health benefits. Long-term broccoli consumption has been shown to regulate liver lipid metabolism and mitigate hepatic lipidosis. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of broccoli seeds and sprouts on biochemical markers in a rat model of induced NAFLD. Thirty adult male albino rats were randomly assigned to six groups: negative control, positive control, and four experimental groups supplemented with 2.5% or 5% broccoli seeds (SG1, SG2) or sprouts (BG1, BG2) for 28 days. Results indicated improved body weight gain across all treatment groups, with no significant differences observed between 5% seed and 2.5% sprout groups. Biochemical analyses revealed that the BG2 group exhibited the most favorable reductions in total cholesterol and triglycerides, while HDL levels improved significantly in SG2 and BG2. Liver enzymes (ALT and ALP) decreased markedly in SG2 and BG1. These findings suggest that daily consumption of broccoli seeds and sprouts enhances liver health, supporting their potential role in preventing hepatic damage and managing fatty liver disease