Investigating the Hepatoprotective Properties of Okra Seed Extract for Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) Induced by Cholesterol in Rats Model

This investigation looked at the impacts of okra seed extract on cholesterol-induced fatty liver disease (CIFLD) in rats. In this study, thirty-two male rats were divided into four groups: G1 the control group, G2 cholesterol group, G3 300 mg/kg of cholesterol plus okra extract and G4 400 mg/kg of cholesterol plus okra extract. Four weeks post-experiment, blood samples were collected for lipid levels, oxidative stress indicators, and liver function tests. Table 1 shows the serum level of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), which was significantly reduced in the okra extract treatment group (ALT: 200 mg/kg, 100.3 ± 8.6 U/l, 400 mg/kg, 70.5 ± 6.2 U/l), compared to the cholesterol group (ALT: 150.5 ± 10.4 U/l; AST: 120.3 ± 8.6 U/l). TG and TC levels were higher in cholesterol group (TG 150.5 ± 10.4 mg/dl; TC 200.3 ± 8.6 mg/dl) but significantly (P < 0.0001) lower (TG 100.3 ± 8.6 mg/dl and 70.5 ± 6.2 mg/dl for 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg respectively) in okra extract treated groups. Cholesterol group showed significantly (p < 0.01) higher malondialdehyde (MDA) (6.5 ± 0.3 nmol/ml) level, less superoxide dismutase (SOD) (3.2 ± 0.4 U/ml) and less glutathione (GSH) (1.5 ± 0.2 μmol/g tissue) than normal, which were all significantly (p < 0.01) improved by okra extract treatment (400 mg/kg) (MDA: 2.8 ± 0.2 nmol/ml, SOD: 7.0 ± 0.4 U/ml, GSH: 4.8 ± 0.3 μmol/ml). Histopathological analysis showed that severe steatosis and signs of inflammation observed in the cholesterol group were significantly less pronounced on okra-treated groups. We demonstrated that okra seed extract exhibited an effective hepatoprotective properties, which may be, at least in part, through antioxidant properties, the results of this study suggest that okra seed extract seen as a natural treatment option for fatty liver disease.