Effect of Rosa canina L. Hydroalcoholic Extract on High-Fat Diet-Induced Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Rats

Abstract

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a prevalent condition with increasing global incidence. Given the reported anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and lipid-lowering properties of Rosa canina L. (RC), this study aimed to evaluate its early-intervention effect on the laboratory and histopathological markers of NAFLD in a rat model. Thirty-six rats were divided into six groups (n=6): a control group on a regular diet, and five groups on a high-fat diet (HFD). The HFD groups received either normal saline (N/S), atorvastatin (10 mg/kg), or RC extract at doses of 300, 500, or 700 mg/kg. After 9 weeks, lipid profiles, liver enzymes (AST, ALT), and histopathological examination of liver biopsies were assessed. Total phenolic content of the extract was also determined. Total cholesterol (TC) levels were significantly reduced in the group receiving 500 mg/kg RC compared to the HFD+N/S group. AST levels were lower in the 300 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg RC groups than in the 700 mg/kg RC and atorvastatin groups. Histopathological analysis revealed ballooning scores of 55-60% in the HFD+N/S group, 30-35% in the atorvastatin group, 65-70% in the 300 mg/kg RC group, 30% in the 500 mg/kg RC group, and 45-55% in the 700 mg/kg RC group. Overall, the findings were generally positive, although the effects differed across the tested doses. Notably, the 500 mg/kg/day dose was associated with more favorable histopathological observations. RC demonstrates significant effects on lipid profile and liver enzymes comparable to atorvastatin in preventing NAFLD. These findings suggest that RC is a promising early-intervention agent for the prevention of NAFLD.