Experimental Evidence Supporting Dauricine as an Anti-Inflammatory Agent in a Mouse Model of NAFLD

Hiba Qusay Burhan; Abdulkareem Hameed Abd; Noora Mustafa Kareem; Zeena Ayad Hussein

doi:10.54133/ajms.v11i2.3101

Authors

Hiba Qusay Burhan Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad, Iraq https://orcid.org/0009-0008-7994-7059
Abdulkareem Hameed Abd Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad, Iraq; College of Health and Medical Technologies, Al-Naji University, Baghdad, Iraq
Noora Mustafa Kareem Department of Pathology and Forensic Medicine, College of Medicine, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad, Iraq https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2288-3241
Zeena Ayad Hussein Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad, Iraq

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54133/ajms.v11i2.3101

Keywords:

Dauricine, Histopathology, IL-6, Liver enzymes, NAS, NAFLD, Silymarin

Abstract

Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a multifactorial metabolic disorder characterized by hepatic lipid accumulation, oxidative stress, and chronic inflammation. Objective: To evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of dauricine, compared with silymarin, in a high‑cholesterol diet and D‑galactose-induced NAFLD in mice via anti‑inflammatory effect. Methods: Fifty male Swiss albino mice were divided into five groups: control, NAFLD‑induced, silymarin‑treated, and dauricine‑treated (5 and 10 mg/kg). Serum liver enzymes (ALT, AST) and hepatic IL‑6 levels were measured by ELISA, while histopathological changes were assessed using the NAFLD Activity Score (NAS). Results: The NAFLD group showed significant elevations in ALT, AST, and IL‑6 levels, along with marked hepatic steatosis and inflammation. Treatment with silymarin and dauricine significantly reduced these parameters, with the 10 mg dauricine group demonstrating near‑normal enzyme and cytokine levels. Histological analysis confirmed improved hepatic architecture and reduced inflammatory infiltration. Conclusion: Dauricine shows potent hepatoprotective effects through modulation of inflammatory pathways, improved liver function, and preservation of tissue integrity. The findings highlight the therapeutic promise of dauricine as a potential adjunct in managing NAFLD.

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