Targeting AMPK Pathways with Plant Derived Phytocchemicals: A Multi-Mechanistic Strategy Against NAFLD

A major global health burden, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is strongly linked to obesity, metabolic syndrome, and sedentary lifestyles. Since there are now no FDA-approved drugs on the market, there is a growing need for safe, natural, and efficient medicinal substitutes. This review investigates how phytoconstituents produced from plants can help manage NAFLD by focusing on the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway, which is a key regulator of energy and lipid metabolism. The mechanisms involving the AMPK-ACC-PPARα, AMPK/Nrf2, Sirt1/AMPK, AMPK/mTOR/ULK1, and AdipoR1-AMPK signalling axes are described regarding important phytochemicals such as gallic acid, plantamajoside, kaempferol, methylsulfonylmethane, and atractylenolide III. These substances show promise in reducing oxidative stress, promoting fatty acid oxidation, inhibiting de-novo lipogenesis, restoring autophagy, and regulating inflammation. According to the results, phytoconstituents have the potential to be effective multi-targeted agents in the management and prevention of NAFLD. To convert these discoveries into successful treatment plans, more research on clinical validation, bioavailability, and formulation development is required.