Therapeutic potential of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. extract and atorvastatin in HFD-induced MAFLD: in vitro and in vivo exploration.

Herein, we investigated the therapeutic potential of combining Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (G. glabra L.) extract with atorvastatin for the treatment of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), using both in vitro and in vivo models. Phytochemical analysis of the G. glabra L. extract revealed the presence of bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and alkaloids. The extract exhibited total phenolic content (TPC) of approximately 218.77 mg GAE/g, total flavonoid content (TFC) of 137.09 mg QCE/g, and significant antioxidant activity as evidenced by DPPH assay with an IC₅₀ value of ~ 30.71 ± 0.108 µg/milk. The anti-bacterial activity of the extract, measured by the zone of inhibition (ZOI), was notable against Escherichia coli (E. coli) (~ 31 mm) and Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) (~ 34 mm). Furthermore, the combination of G. glabra L. extract and atorvastatin enhanced anti-bacterial activity against E. coli (~ 29 mm) and B. subtilis (~ 34 mm). In the in vivo model, Wistar rats were divided into 6 groups and fed an HFD for six weeks. Biochemical investigation scrutinizes hepatic function, lipid profile, and antioxidant status. The treatment group significantly improved body weight, hepatic function, and lipid biomarkers. Antioxidant assays indicated restoration of liver enzyme activity. Histopathological examination revealed marked hepatocyte ballooning in the disease control group, while the treatment group exhibited restored hepatic architecture. These findings suggest that gut dysbiosis, influenced by HFD, contributes to MAFLD pathogenesis, and combined G. glabra L. extract and atorvastatin may offer a promising therapeutic approach.

Supplementary information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-025-04322-5.