Berberis vulgaris: perspectives in the treatment of non alcoholic fatty liver disease

Mnif Fatma; Asma Zargni; Arbi Kawthar El; Salah Dhoha Ben; Salma Bousetta; Mouna Elleuch; Nadia Charfi; Mouna Mnif; Majdoub Nabila Rekik; Kacem Akid Faten Haj; Mohamed Abid

doi:10.1530/endoabs.81.EP398

Introduction: Berberis vulgaris is a plant, of the family Berberidaceae. Berberine is the main active compound of the barberry. It is an iso quinoline alkaloid of intense yellow color. Berberis vulgaris is used in several medical purposes, including liver protection, anti-oxidant, antimicrobial agent. It also seems to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood and triglycerides. Our study aims to investigate the effect of the dietary supplement "Berberis Vulgaris" made from the extract of the dried root bark, on the metabolic parameters in patients with hepatic steatosis (NAFLD).

Patients and Methods: This is a double-blind randomized clinical trial conducted on 60 patients with NAFLD, divided into two equal groups: (G1) treated with berberine and (G2) treated with placebo. All patients received 3 capsules each day before meals. Weight, body mass index (BMI), Waist circumference (WC), liver transaminase levels and lipid profile were recorded in both groups before and after treatment.

Results: Our population included 17 men (28.33%) and 43 women (71.67%). The average age of patients included in G1 is 47.71 years for men and 58.48 years for women while in G 2 it is 58.9 years and 76 years respectively. The majority of patients in both groups have a family history of metabolic diseases. The majority of NAFLD patients had metabolic diseases such as diabetes in 40% of G2 patients and dyslipidemia in 40% of G2 patients and hypertension in 46.67% of G1 patients. The average weight in G1 was 80.47 kg comparable to that of G2 which was 79.55 kg. The BMI was 33.12 in G1 patients and higher in G2 patients which was 29.12 kg/m^². On the other hand, the WC was higher in G1 than in G2 (108 cm versus 104 cm). In G1: a decrease in weight, BMI and WC was noted. Liver enzymes: ASAT and ALAT levels decreased from 18.15 to 16.5 IU/l and from 20.88 to 18 IU/l respectively. But they remained increased in G2. Cholesterol, blood glucose and especially triglycerides levels were largely decreased under treatment and remained unchanged under placebo. Abdominal ultra sound examination didn’t show a significant change in steatosis.

Conclusion: Considering the decrease in liver enzymes, Triglycerides and cholesterol observed in G1 patients after the use of the dietary supplement Berberis Vulgaris, it can be said that berberine has a positive effect on hepatic and metabolic parameters and may soon be a cornerstone in the treatment of hepatic steatosis.

Endocrine Abstracts

EP398