Effects of licorice root supplementation on liver enzymes, hepatic steatosis, metabolic and oxidative stress parameters in women with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A randomized double‐blind clinical trial. (3rd July 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rostamizadeh, Pouya; Asl, Seyed Mohammad Kazem Hosseini; Far, Zohreh Ghaem; Ahmadijoo, Pegah; Mahmudiono, Trias; Bokov, Dmitry Olegovich; Alsaikhan, Fahad; Jannat, Behrooz; Mazloom, Zohreh
• Is Part Of: Phytotherapy research. Volume 36:Number 10(2022)
• Page Start: 3949
• Page End: 3956
• Publication Date: 2022-07-03
• Subjects: herbal medicine -- licorice -- liver enzymes -- nonalcoholic fatty liver disease; Materia medica, Vegetable -- Periodicals; Botany, Medical -- Periodicals; Medicinal plants -- Periodicals; Plant Extracts -- therapeutic use -- Periodicals; Plants, Medicinal -- Periodicals; 581.634
• DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7543
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0951-418X

Abstract

Abstract: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of licorice root supplementation on liver enzymes, hepatic steatosis, metabolic and oxidative stress parameters in women with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In this randomized double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial, 60 women with NAFLD were selected and randomly assigned into 2 groups to take 1, 000 mg/day powder of licorice root extract or placebo for 12 weeks. In addition, all the patients were advised to follow a weight loss diet and healthy lifestyle. The plasma levels of liver enzymes, glycemic indices, lipid profile, oxidative stress parameters, as well as hepatic steatosis were measured at the beginning and end of the study. Through the 12‐weeks period of supplementation, women who received powder of licorice root experienced a statistically significant improvement in alanine aminotransferase ( p < .001), insulin ( p = .002), insulin resistance ( p = .003), malondialdehyde ( p < .001) serum levels, and ultrasonographic findings of liver steatosis ( p < .001), compared to the placebo group. In conclusion, licorice root supplementation in addition to gradual weight loss and lifestyle modification is superior to lifestyle modification alone for the treatment of NAFLD.