Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Fatty liver disease is characterized by excessive fat accumulation in liver tissue, which can lead to liver failure and cirrhosis. Quercetin (QCT) is a flavonoid known for its antioxidant properties. The therapeutic benefits of Camellia sinensis leaf extract (CSLE) have been demonstrated in prevention and treatment of various diseases. This research sought to assess the synergistic impact of QCT and CSLE on reduction of liver steatosis in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty mice were randomized in five groups (n=6), including: control, HFD (10 ml/kg), HFD and QCT (50 mg/kg), HFD and CSLE 2% (200 mg/kg), and HFD and QCT (50 mg/kg) in combination with CSLE 2% (200 mg/kg) in the last week. Mice underwent anesthesia on day 43 after a night of fasting, and the levels of hepatic enzymes and biomarkers, antioxidants, and pro-inflammatory factors were measured. RESULTS: Treatment with QCT and CSLE reduced serum levels of alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, very-low-density lipoprotein, total protein, and total bilirubin, and hepatic levels of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, while increasing serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and the levels of hepatic catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase. CONCLUSION: Treatment with QCT and CSLE may effectively reduce liver steatosis in HFD-fed mice by improving lipid profiles and antioxidant status.