A Systematic Review of the Beneficial Effects of Berry Extracts on Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Animal Models.

Context: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver disease in Western countries and is strongly associated with several metabolic disorders. Plant-derived bioactive extracts, such as berry extracts, with high antioxidant capacity have been used for the treatment and prevention of this pathology. Moreover, they promote circular economy and sustainability.

Objective: To study the beneficial effects of extracts from different parts of berry plants in animal models of NAFLD.

Data sources: A systematic research of the MEDLINE (via PubMed), Cochrane, and Scopus databases was conducted to identify relevant studies published after January 2011. In vivo animal studies of NAFLD were included in which berry extracts of different parts of the plant were administered and significantly improved altered biomarkers related to the pathology, such as lipid metabolism and hepatic steatosis, glucose and glycogen metabolism, and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory biomarkers.

Data extraction: Of a total of 203 articles identified, 31 studies were included after implementation of the inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Data analysis: Most of the studies showed a decrease in steatosis and a stimulation of genes related to β-oxidation and downregulation of lipogenic genes, with administration of berry extracts. Berry extracts also attenuated inflammation and oxidative stress.

Conclusions: Administration of berry extracts seems to have promising potential in the design of enriched foodstuffs or nutraceuticals for the treatment of NAFLD.