Athrixia phylicoides (Bush tea) attenuates oxidative stress and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in high-energy diet-fed Wistar rats

Athrixia phylicoides (AP), commonly known as Bush Tea is traditionally consumed in South Africa for the treatment of ailments such as hypertension, gastrointestinal disturbances, colds, and general fatigue. Although its traditional use for liver-related conditions is not well-documented, its ethnomedicinal role in managing inflammation and metabolic disturbances aligns with key features of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This study evaluated the hepatoprotective potential of AP tea infusion in a high-energy diet (HED)-fed male Wistar rats. Animals were fed a HED for 12 weeks to induce insulin resistance, then treated with 50 or 100 mg/kg body weight (BW) AP or 100 mg/kg BW metformin for six weeks. Body weight, serum liver enzyme levels, oxidative stress markers and liver histopathology were assessed. HED feeding resulted in significant weight gain, hepatic steatosis, and elevated GGT and AST levels, along with reduced SOD levels. Treatment with AP significantly reduced body weight gain and improved serum GGT and AST levels compared to untreated HED controls (p < 0.05). SOD levels were restored, and histological analysis revealed reduced steatosis and hepatic inflammation. The higher dose (100 mg/kg) demonstrated hepatoprotective effects comparable to metformin. These findings suggest that AP attenuates HED-induced hepatic injury and oxidative stress, likely via its antioxidant constituents. The study supports its ethnomedicinal use and indicates potential for development as a complementary intervention for NAFLD. Further research is warranted to isolate active compounds and elucidate underlying mechanisms.