Therapeutic Potential of Conyza bonariensis n-Hexane Extract in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Histological, Biochemical, and In Silico Insights From a High-Fat Diet Rat Model.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a rising global health concern closely linked with obesity, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome. Despite its prevalence, there are currently no approved pharmacological treatments. Conyza bonariensis (CB), a traditional medicinal plant, has demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective properties, making it a promising candidate for NAFLD therapy. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of CB n-hexane extract in a rat model of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced NAFLD. In silico molecular docking was conducted to assess the binding affinity of major bioactive constituents to NAFLD-associated targets, including PPAR-α, PPAR-γ, AMPK, and SREBP-1c. In vivo, Sprague-Dawley rats (200-300 g) were divided into six groups: control, HFD-induced NAFLD, Silymarin Group, and three treatment groups of three doses of 250, 500, and 750 mg/kg of CB extracts for 28 days. Biochemical markers (lipid profile, complete blood profile, hemoglobin levels, and glucose parameters) and histopathological liver changes were evaluated. In vivo, extract-treated groups showed significant improvement in liver function tests, lipid profiles, and oxidative stress markers (p < 0.05), with the highest dose group (750 mg/kg) displaying histologically reduced hepatic steatosis and inflammation. CB n-hexane extracts demonstrated significant hepatoprotective and metabolic regulatory effects in HFD-induced NAFLD in rats, potentially mediated through modulation of PPAR and AMPK pathways. The integration of in silico and pharmacological data supports further exploration of CB as a potential natural therapeutic for NAFLD.