Hepatoprotective effects of astaxanthin and kokum on lipid peroxidation and fatty acid profile in mice with diet-induced NAFLD.

INTRODUCTION

Among adults, there is a constant increase in the incidence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The significant limitations of available pharmacological therapies for this condition have led to intensive research into natural bioactive compounds with hepatoprotective properties. Therefore, this study focused on evaluating the effects of astaxanthin and kokum supplementation on lipid peroxidation levels, fatty acid profile, and lysosomal activity in mice liver with diet-induced NAFLD.

METHODS

The study was conducted using 120 male Swiss Webster mice. A methionine- and choline-deficient (MCD) diet was applied to induce hepatic steatosis. Following steatosis induction, animals received astaxanthin, kokum, or combined supplementation for 90 days. Hepatic fatty acid profile, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and lysosomal enzyme activities were subsequently evaluated. Statistical analysis was conducted using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc test.

RESULTS

Hepatic steatosis was associated with the accumulation of saturated fatty acids (SFA), elevated MDA concentration, and increased lysosomal esterase (EL) and lysosomal acid lipase (LAL) activities compared with the control group. The proportion of SFA increased from 37.1% in controls to 45.8% in steatotic animals. Supplementation with astaxanthin and kokum promoted a higher degree of fatty acid unsaturation and reduced lipid peroxidation. The DAK group, representing steatotic mice receiving combined supplementation, showed the lowest proportional SFA content among all experimental groups (29.7%) and the lowest MDA concentration among steatotic groups. In addition, supplementation contributed to partial normalization of lysosomal enzyme activities.

CONCLUSION

Supplementation with astaxanthin and kokum, especially in combination, demonstrated a synergistic protective effect by increasing the degree of fatty acid unsaturation, reducing lipid peroxidation, and normalizing lysosomal activity. These findings indicate the therapeutic potential of multi-targeted nutraceutical strategies in the prevention and treatment of NAFLD.