Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity, Universal Scientific Education and Research Network, Tehran, Iran.
Sci Rep. 2024 Jan 11;14(1):1053. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-51726-z.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a metabolic dysfunction of the liver defined as an abnormal accumulation of fat within the liver without secondary triggers like alcohol consumption or viral hepatitis. Piperine, the bio-active ingredient of black pepper, can exert a significant function in treatment of individuals with NAFLDand early cirrhosis. We investigated the impact of piperine consumption with a duration of 12 weeks on patients with NAFLD and early cirrhosis compared toplacebo consumption. In a double-blind study, patients with NAFLD and early stage of cirrhosis were haphazardly distributed into case and control groups. They were prescribed a placebo and 5 mg of piperine for 12 weeks, respectively. The demographic and laboratory parameters of individuals were assessed as the baseline and after the duration of piperine intake. Piperine with a daily dosage of 5 mg could significantly decrease hepatic enzymes and glucose, and alleviate dyslipidemia in the case arm rather than the control arm. Moreover, HOMA levels and insulin resistance were reduced in case participants compared to the control counterparts. In the absence of approved medicinal intervention for patients with NAFLD, and regarding the favorable impact of piperine on NAFLD more studies on this subject are warranted.
非酒精性脂肪性肝病 (NAFLD) 是一种肝脏代谢功能紊乱，定义为肝脏内脂肪异常积聚，而没有酒精摄入或病毒性肝炎等继发诱因。黑胡椒中的生物活性成分胡椒碱，对 NAFLD 和早期肝硬化患者的治疗有显著作用。我们研究了与安慰剂相比，胡椒碱持续 12 周对 NAFLD 和早期肝硬化患者的影响。在一项双盲研究中，将 NAFLD 和早期肝硬化患者随机分配到病例组和对照组。他们分别服用安慰剂和 5 毫克胡椒碱，持续 12 周。个体的人口统计学和实验室参数作为基线和胡椒碱摄入持续时间后进行评估。每日剂量为 5 毫克的胡椒碱可显著降低肝酶和血糖，并减轻病例组而非对照组的血脂异常。此外，与对照组相比，病例组的 HOMA 水平和胰岛素抵抗降低。鉴于目前尚无针对 NAFLD 患者的批准药物干预措施，且胡椒碱对 NAFLD 有有利影响，因此有必要对此进行更多研究。
