A Clinical Trial Using Ganwei (HepatoKeeper) Herbal Essentials to Treat Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Detailed Summary

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disease globally, with an estimated prevalence of approximately 15 to 30%. The incidence of NAFLD is even higher, reaching up to 58%, in individuals who are overweight or obese. The pathogenesis of NAFLD is complex and not fully understood. The metabolism of carbohydrates contributes to the development of NAFLD, as it increases the enzymatic activity of lipid synthesis in the liver, depleting adenosine triphosphate (ATP) rapidly and causing stress on mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum. The multifunctional protein Glycine N-methyltransferase (GNMT) plays a regulatory role in liver carbohydrate metabolism, and its expression is downregulated in the liver tissues of NAFLD. While weight loss and lifestyle adjustments are helpful in controlling NAFLD, effective pharmacological or healthcare interventions for NAFLD patients are currently lacking. Insulin resistance is crucial in the pathogenesis of NAFLD, suggesting that drugs improving insulin sensitivity, such as metformin, might have therapeutic effects. However, recent large-scale clinical trial results have not supported this hypothesis. Investigators propose that the mitochondrial inhibitory effects of metformin may be related to this discrepancy, and the negative effects may be reversed through food containing substances promoting GNMT gene expression, such as Ganwei (as know as "HepatoKeeper"). Preliminary animal experiments also show that the combined use of metformin and GNMT enhancers effectively eliminates liver lipid droplet accumulation and improves liver inflammation in a NAFLD mouse model, surpassing the effects of either drug used alone. Based on these findings, our team designed the medication treatment group for this clinical trial, aiming to investigate whether the combination of Ganwei and metformin produces a synergistic effect in humans. Ganwei compound herbal extract capsules contain extracts from natural foods such as Schisandra chinensis, Paeonia lactiflora, and Punica granatum. Among them, Paeonia lactiflora is known to contain components that enhance GNMT expression. Animal and cell experiments have demonstrated its potential for repairing liver damage and inflammation. This trial aims to assess the impact of orally administering Ganwei compound herbal extract capsules on participants and evaluate its effects on fatty liver, liver fibrosis, and metabolic indicators.

Study Details

Timeline

Interventions