Abstract

Objective: To assess the histological effects of simvastatin and Ajwa date seed extract on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Methodology: It is an in-vitro experimental animal study, 5 groups of eight rats each were created. Group 1 was a healthy control group. In Group, 2 animals were fed with butter for 36 days and left untreated. Group 3 and 4 were treated with simvastatin 10mg/kg/day and Aqueous extract of Seeds of Ajwa date (ADSE) 8ml/kg/day, respectively. Group 5 received simvastatin and ADSE together in half recommended doses that is 5mg/kg/day and 4ml/kg/day, respectively. Hyperlipidaemia was induced in 15 days and treatment with simvastatin and ADSE continued for 21 days making it 36 days study. Then animals were sacrificed, liver samples were eosin haematoxylin stained. The histopathological characteristics were statistically analysed using Fisher's exact test.
Results: Simvastatin & ADSE when used individually and together showed considerable hepatoprotective effects against NAFLD. However, the group that received half dose combination showed fewer promising effects.
Conclusion: Ajwa date seed may have therapeutic potential in NAFLD.

Key words: Hyperlipidemia, ajwa date seed, simvastatin.