A Plant-Based Strategy for MASLD

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is characterized by hepatic lipid accumulation and insulin resistance, yet effective therapies remain limited. This study evaluated the hepatoprotective effects of Desmodium caudatum (Thunb.) DC. Extract (DCE) in vitro and in vivo. In 600 μM oleic acid (OA)-challenged HepG2 cells, DCE (25, 50, and 100 μg/mL) reduced lipid accumulation, oxidative stress, and glycogen depletion by modulating lipogenic and oxidative pathways. In a MASLD mouse model induced by high-fat diet (HFD)/streptozotocin (HFD/STZ), oral administration of DCE (100 or 200 mg/kg) for six weeks improved fasting glucose, serum lipids, and hepatic injury markers. Histology confirmed reduced steatosis, while Western blotting showed downregulation of SREBP-1, HMGCR, and ACC, and upregulation of CPT-1, PPARα, and phosphorylated AMPK. Additionally, DCE enhanced insulin signaling and restored hepatic glycogen synthesis through IRS-1, AKT, and GSK3β activation. These findings suggest that DCE ameliorates MASLD by regulating lipid and glucose metabolism, supporting its potential as a plant-based therapeutic strategy.