Lipid Dysregulation, Oxidative Stress, and ER Damage in NAFLD: Molecular Insights and Herbal Remedies

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a silent epidemic, affecting millions worldwide due to rising rates of obesity, insulin resistance, and sedentary lifestyles. It ranges from simple fat accumulation in the liver to more severe forms like non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Despite its prevalence, no approved pharmacological treatments exist, and current strategies rely heavily on lifestyle modification. This review outlines the key mechanisms driving NAFLD progression—including lipid overload, oxidative stress, and cellular dysfunction—and explores the therapeutic promise of plant-derived compounds. Natural agents such as curcumin, silymarin, berberine, and chlorogenic acid show potential in reducing liver fat and inflammation. Emerging phytochemicals, such as cryptochlorogenic acid and Genkwanin, offer new hope for safer and more accessible interventions. By bridging molecular research with evidence-based phytotherapy, this review advocates for a holistic, patient-centered approach to NAFLD—one that integrates science, tradition, and sustainable care.