The effect of rheum ribes L. extracts on the some biochemical parameters of rats fructose induced nonalcoholic fatty liver

In this study, the hepatoprotective and antioxidant potential of Rheum ribes L. (ışkın) was investigated using an experimentally induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) model caused by high fructose intake. Male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into five groups: Control group, Fructose group, Rheum ribes group, Fructose + Rheum ribes (daily) group, and Fructose + Rheum ribes (every other day) group. NAFLD was induced by fructose administration for eight weeks, after which the relevant groups received Rheum ribes L. extract. At the end of the experiment, serum and tissue samples were collected, and cholesterol, AST, ALT, and MDA levels, lipophilic vitamins (A, E, K2), and fatty acid profiles were evaluated. No significant difference was found in serum cholesterol levels among the fructose-treated groups (p>0,05); however, a marked increase was observed in AST (p<0,001) and ALT (p<0,001) levels, and MDA concentrations were significantly elevated both in serum and tissue (p<0,001). Among lipophilic vitamins, only vitamin A showed a statistically significant change (p=0,001), with a pronounced decrease in the fructose group and a partial recovery following Rheum ribes administration. No significant difference was detected in vitamins E and K2 (p>0,05). Fatty acid analysis revealed significant alterations in palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acids (p<0,001). The findings indicate that Rheum ribes L. possesses therapeutic potential in preventing NAFLD and mitigating oxidative stress, suggesting its possible use as a natural supportive agent in future pharmacological studies. Keywords: Rheum ribes; Fructose; NAFLD; Lipophilic vitamin; Fatty acid profile.