Protective Effect of Berberine on the Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Induced by High-Fat Diet in Rats

Objective:To observe the protective effects of berberine on nonalcoholic fatty liver induced by high-fat diet in rats.Methods:Fatty liver disease model was established by feeding rats with high-fat diet.The therapeutic groups were administered with berberine by gavage at the dose of 100 and 200 mg/kg daily.After four weeks,all rats were sacrificed.Liver index,anti-oxidative function,blood and liver lipid were assayed.Results:Berberine decreased the liver index,reduced the content of serum and hepatic triglycerides,lowered the serum free fatty acid level,and increased liver homogenate SOD activity of rats with fatty liver.Conclusion:Bererine can protect rats from nonalcoholic fatty liver disease induced by high-fat diet maybe through lowering blood lipid level and improving hepatic anti-oxidative capability.