Asiaticoside alleviated NAFLD by activating Nrf2 and inhibiting the NF-κB pathway

Phytomedicine. 2025 Jan:136:156317. doi: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.156317. Epub 2024 Dec 5.

Abstract

Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a globally prevalent clinical problem of chronic liver disorder whose main pathogenic mechanisms are hepatic lipid accumulation, oxidative stress, and inflammatory reactions. Asiaticoside (Asi) is a compound derived from Centella asiatica, possesses antioxidant, antiphlogistic, antifibrotic, as well as wound healing properties.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Asi on NAFLD and its potential mechanisms.

Study design: Two versions of experimental models were constructed using free fatty acids (FFAs)-stimulated HepG2 cells along with high-fat diet (HFD)-incited NAFLD in mice.

Methods: The pivotal action of Nrf2 was then explored using Ml-385 or Nrf2-/- mice.

Results: The results indicated that Asi activated the Nrf2 to alleviate oxidative stress, inhibited the NF-κB to reduce the inflammatory response, and notably decreased lipid droplets and alleviated steatosis.

Conclusion: In conclusion, Asi demonstrates a potential to activate Nrf2 as well as inhibit the NF-κB pathway, there alleviate NAFLD.

Keywords: Asiaticoside; NAFLD; NF-κB; Nrf2.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antioxidants / pharmacology
  • Centella / chemistry
  • Diet, High-Fat*
  • Hep G2 Cells
  • Humans
  • Liver / drug effects
  • Liver / metabolism
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Knockout
  • NF-E2-Related Factor 2* / metabolism
  • NF-kappa B* / metabolism
  • Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease* / drug therapy
  • Oxidative Stress* / drug effects
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects
  • Triterpenes* / pharmacology

Substances

  • Triterpenes
  • NF-E2-Related Factor 2
  • NF-kappa B
  • asiaticoside
  • Nfe2l2 protein, mouse
  • Antioxidants