Effects of the Mixture of ‎ Cynara cardunculus var scolymus and Cinnamomum zeylanicum on Hepatic Enzymes Activity and Lipid Profiles in Patients with Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Objective: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is rapidly going to be one of the most common metabolic diseases which can negatively affect the liver function and needs to be more explored within the context of new and efficient therapies. The aim of this study was to determine the benefit of ‎ Cynara cardunculus var scolymus and Cinnamomum zeylanicum mixture infusion (1.5 and 0.25 g/100 mL and twice/day) on patients with NAFLD.

Methods: The study was designed as a before-after clinical trial and performed on 20 patients having NAFLD. They were asked to use the mixture of extracts prepared in special bags twice a day for 30 days. Before and after using the mixture, Liver markers of NAFLD including alanin aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphates (ALP), cholesterol (chol), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and also, fatty liver ultrasonograhic grading were measured.

Results: Treatment with mixture of extracts in patients with NAFLD resulted in a significant decrease in ALT, AST, and ALP. Also there was a significant improvement in lipid profile of the patients given by decreased TG, Chol, and LDL and increased HDL in serum. Moreover, a significant decrease in grade of sonographic examination was showed. No significant linear correlation was found between age, BMI and gender one way side and biochemical parameters and liver enzymes.

Conclusion: Taken together, it is concluded that the mixture of Cynara cardunculus var scolymus, Cinnamomum zeylanicum can have beneficial effects on hepatic function and lipid profiles of patients with NAFLD.