Wuzhi capsule (Schisandra Sphenanthera extract) attenuates liver steatosis and inflammation during non-alcoholic fatty liver disease development

[Display omitted] •Wuzhi capsule was used to protect liver but there was no study explored the mechanism of how Wuzhi capsule inhibit liver steatosis induced by MCD diet.•This study confirmed for the first time that Wuzhi capsule could regulate β-oxidation in livers of mice feed with MCD diet.•We found that WZ capsule could inhibit inflammation via NF-kB signalling pathway in mice feed with MCD diet.•We proved that Wuzhi capsule could regulate NF-kB and PPAR at the same time in mice with fat liver induced by MCD diet.•We found that PPAR benefits mice with fat liver through regulating metabolism of fat but not relieving inflammation in liver under the effects of WZ. Objective: Wuzhi (WZ) capsule contains an ethanol extract of Schisandra sphenanthera. The efficacy of WZ in treating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has not yet been elucidated. The present study assessed the effects of WZ on NAFLD. Material and methods: A C57BL/6 male mouse model of NAFLD was established by feeding the animals a methionine-choline-deficient (MCD) diet. Mice fed the basal diet were used as controls. Both groups were randomly administered WZ or vehicle by gavage for 5 weeks. Body weight change, liver/body weight ratio, metabolic parameters, and histological changes were assessed. Serum levels of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α were analysed by ELISA; mRNA expression of these genes in the liver was studied by real-time PCR. Western blotting was used to analyse the protein levels of PPAR-α, PPAR-γ, MCAD, LCAD, and p65 in the liver. Results: After 5 weeks of the MCD diet, the liver/body weight ratio of WZ mice was higher than that of control mice. Liver histology revealed significantly less steatosis, inflammation, and necrosis, which was confirmed by decreased intrahepatic triglycerides and serum ALT in WZ-treated mice. WZ also reduced the liver mRNA expression of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α and the serum levels of IL-1β and IL-6. Sensitivity to steatohepatitis due to WZ administration correlated significantly with alterations in the expression of PPAR-α/γ, as well as the NF-κB signalling pathway. Conclusions: WZ plays a protective role against MCD-induced steatohepatitis. The underlying mechanism likely involves the upregulation of PPAR-α/γ and downregulation of the NF-κB signalling pathway. Based on its beneficial effects on the liver, WZ is a promising therapeutic for NAFLD patients.