Scolymus hispanicus (Golden Thistle) Ameliorates Hepatic Steatosis and Metabolic Syndrome by Reducing Lipid Accumulation, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammation in Rats under Hyperfatty Diet

Abstract

Background. Lipotoxicity is characterized by a metabolic disturbance leading to the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Some medicinal plant extracts exert hepatoprotective activity by modulating oxidative stress, inflammation, and metabolic disorders. Scolymus hispanicus or the golden thistle can be considered an important natural source of antioxidants. In traditional medicine, the consumption of this plant is recommended for diseases of the liver and intestines. Objective. In this study, we aimed to determine the effects of Scolymus hispanicus on a hyperfatty diet- (HFD-) induced metabolic disorders, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Materials and Methods. Our experiment focused on the administration of an HFD (40%) in Rattus norvegicus for 2 months and treatment with the aqueous extract of Scolymus hispanicus at a rate of 100 mg/kg during the last eight days of experimentation. In this context, several aspects were studied: the evaluation of blood biochemical parameters, liver function such as lipids and glycogen, markers of oxidative stress (TBARS, carbonyl proteins, advanced oxidation proteins, catalase, and SOD) and inflammation (NO and NFkB), morphological study of hepatocytes in primary culture, and histological study of the liver. Results. Lipotoxicity induced metabolic disorders, both serum and tissue. HFD induced an increase in the total lipids and a decrease in glycogen reserve and an alteration in the oxidant-antioxidant balance. HFD induced an increase in markers of liver damage, which resulted in NAFLD, confirmed by histological study and hepatocytes cell culture. Scolymus appears to have lipid-lowering, hypoglycemic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It improved glucose tolerance and the condition of fatty liver disease. Conclusion. Golden thistle improves glucose tolerance and hyperlipidemia and ameliorates hepatic steatosis by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and lipid accumulation. Its incorporation into a dietary program or as an aliment supplement would prevent hepatic complications associated with an HFD.

Comparative Research on Intestinal Functions of Wild and Cultured Hemibarbus maculatus in Jialing River

“…In this experiment, via H.E. and Oil Red Staining, the liver of the cultured group was observed to have steatosis and intercellular fat infiltration, suggesting that fatty liver occurs, and according to the result of glycogen accumulation in the liver, the oxidative stress of the liver may also increase [28]; they may adversely affect the digestion and absorption of Hemibarbus maculatus. In addition, the length and weight of gut did not differ significantly between the wild and cultured groups, but the absorption area of the foregut of the cultured group was significantly larger than that of the wild group.…”

“…This conformed to the conclusion that the activities of Na+/K+-ATPase are secreted by goblet cells, which in the hindgut of the cultured group was significantly lower than that of the wild group. In addition, argyrophilic cells in the digestive tract have both endocrine and exocrine functions [28].…”

Golden thistle (Scolymus hispanicus L.) hydromethanolic extracts ameliorated glucose absorption and inflammatory markers in vitro

“…Furthermore, there are two other publications reporting the antioxidant capacity of the S. hispanicus plant in literature (Berdja et al, 2021;Marmouzi et al, 2017). However, from the experimental point of view, variations in test method and extraction conditions of the test material cause difficulties in comparisons (Frankel & Meyer, 2000).…”

“…It has been consumed in the cuisines of Turkey, Greece, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Cyprus, and Morocco (Della et al, 2006 ; Ertuğ, 2004 ; Lentini & Venza, 2007 ; Pardo‐De‐Santayana et al, 2005 ; Powell et al, 2014 ; Sergio et al, 2023 ). In traditional medicine, this plant has been used against ulcers, eye infections, intestinal diseases, and Malta fever (Berdja et al, 2021 ; Ugurlu & Secmen, 2008 ). Moreover, plant infusions or extracts have been shown to inhibit mammalian glycosidases in vitro (Marmouzi et al, 2017 ) or to lower body weights and fasting blood glucose levels in animal models (Berdja et al, 2021 ; Özkol et al, 2012 ), indicating GT has antidiabetic potential.…”

Quality and Safety of Ready-to-Eat Golden Thistle (Scolymus hispanicus L.): A New Product for Traditional Italian Dishes

“…Even though it is employed as an ingredient in several Christmas and Easter dishes, it has recently taken a considerable interest for its anti-bacterial, anti-herpetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmotic, anti-tumor effects on colon, kidney, and lung cancers [20][21][22], as well as anti-sweat and diuretic properties [23]. Moreover, it is considered a good source of calcium, potassium, and magnesium [24][25][26], and it was found to be rich in several nutritional and bioactive compounds.…”