Ameliorative role of bioactive phytoconstituents targeting obesity associated NAFLD by modulation of inflammation and lipogenesis pathways: a comprehensive review

By 2025, the projected global obesity rates for both men and women are 18% and 21%, respectively. Obesity raises the risk of several comorbidities like cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal disorders, type 2 diabetes, respiratory problems, and most importantly non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NAFLD is commonly considered to be both a consequence and a contributor to metabolic dysfunctions such as obesity, given the liver’s pivotal role in metabolism. NAFLD is a range of disease phenotypes that initiate hepatocyte inflammation and lipid accumulation owing to de novo lipogenesis (DNL). NAFLD has the potential to advance to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, marked by hepatic fibrosis and the subsequent emergence of NAFLD-associated cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Several notable biomarkers, including C-reactive protein, tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, leptin, fatty acid synthase and sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c have been found to have a direct correlation with inflammation and DNL. Several research studies have provided evidence regarding the effectiveness and safety of plant derived bioactive compounds plants for managing obesity associated NAFLD. Several bioactive phytoconstituents like antcin A, ginsenoside, naringenin, apigenin, silibinin, kaempferol have been identified as potential agents for improving obesity associated NAFLD by targeting the inflammatory and DNL pathways. This review explores the connection between inflammation and DNL in the development of obesity-associated NAFLD by discussing a few biomarkers related to both the hallmarks and some novel avenues for addressing the treatment of NAFLD in individuals with obesity. Besides, this review provides an overview of the efficacy of different bioactive phytoconstituents in combating obesity associated NAFLD by targeting the inflammatory and DNL pathways.