Researchers discovered that a natural compound called Cajanolactone A (CLA), found in pigeon peas, may help reverse fatty liver disease in people eating high-fat diets. In laboratory studies with mice, CLA reduced fat buildup in the liver, decreased inflammation, and improved how the body processes fats. The compound works by affecting multiple systems in the body—including how the liver makes fat, how the gut protects itself, and how bile acids work. While these results are promising, the research was done in mice, so scientists need to test it in humans before recommending it as a treatment.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a natural plant compound could reduce fatty liver disease caused by eating high-fat foods
  • Who participated: Laboratory mice fed a high-fat diet to mimic fatty liver disease in humans
  • Key finding: Mice treated with Cajanolactone A showed significant reductions in liver fat, inflammation markers, and improvements in how their bodies processed fats compared to untreated mice
  • What it means for you: This research suggests a potential new treatment approach for fatty liver disease, but it’s still in early stages. Don’t expect this compound to be available as a treatment yet—human studies are needed first. If you have fatty liver disease, continue following your doctor’s advice about diet and exercise.

The Research Details

Scientists conducted laboratory experiments using mice that were fed a high-fat diet to develop fatty liver disease, similar to what happens in humans. They then gave some mice a natural compound called Cajanolactone A (CLA) extracted from pigeon peas, while other mice received no treatment. The researchers measured various markers in the mice’s blood, liver tissue, and gut to see how the compound affected fat storage, inflammation, and other biological processes.

The study examined multiple biological pathways—essentially different systems in the body that work together. They looked at how the liver makes new fat, how inflammation develops, how the gut barrier functions, and how bile acids (substances that help digest fat) are composed. This multi-system approach helps explain how one compound might help with a complex disease.

The researchers used advanced laboratory techniques to measure gene expression, protein levels, and tissue changes. This allowed them to understand not just whether the compound worked, but how it worked at a molecular level.

Fatty liver disease is extremely common—affecting more than 1 in 4 adults worldwide—and current treatment options are limited. Understanding how natural compounds like CLA work could lead to new medications. This research is important because it shows that CLA affects multiple systems simultaneously, which may be why it’s effective. Rather than just reducing fat in the liver, it also reduces inflammation and improves gut health, addressing the root causes of the disease.

This research was published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal, meaning other experts reviewed it before publication. However, this is a laboratory study in mice, not humans. Mouse studies are valuable for understanding how compounds work, but results don’t always translate to humans. The study appears well-designed with multiple measurements and controls, but the sample size of mice isn’t specified in the abstract. Additional human studies would be needed to confirm these findings are safe and effective in people.

What the Results Show

Mice treated with Cajanolactone A showed significant improvements in multiple markers of fatty liver disease. The compound reduced the amount of fat stored in liver cells and improved blood fat levels (dyslipidemia). It did this by turning down genes and proteins involved in how the liver makes new fat—essentially putting the brakes on the liver’s fat-production machinery.

The compound also reduced inflammation in the liver by blocking specific inflammatory signaling pathways. This is important because inflammation is a major driver of liver damage in fatty liver disease. Additionally, CLA strengthened the intestinal barrier—the protective lining of the gut—by increasing proteins that hold intestinal cells together tightly. A stronger gut barrier prevents harmful substances from leaking into the bloodstream and triggering inflammation throughout the body.

Finally, CLA changed the composition of bile acids in the gut. Bile acids are important signaling molecules that affect metabolism and inflammation. By altering their composition, CLA activated protective pathways in the liver that further reduced fat accumulation and inflammation.

Beyond the main findings, the research showed that CLA improved overall lipid homeostasis—the body’s ability to maintain healthy fat levels. The compound also enhanced intestinal immune function, meaning the gut’s natural defense system worked better. These secondary effects are significant because they suggest CLA works through multiple beneficial mechanisms rather than just one pathway. The improvements in gut barrier function and immune response may be particularly important, as gut health is increasingly recognized as central to liver health.

Previous research had shown that Cajanolactone A could reduce fat in the liver, but the specific mechanisms weren’t well understood. This study builds on that foundation by identifying exactly how CLA works—through effects on fat production, inflammation, gut health, and bile acid signaling. The multi-system approach aligns with current scientific understanding that fatty liver disease isn’t just a liver problem but involves the entire gut-liver axis (the connection between gut and liver health). This research confirms what many scientists suspected: treating fatty liver disease effectively requires addressing multiple biological systems simultaneously.

This study was conducted entirely in laboratory mice, not humans. While mice are useful for understanding biological mechanisms, their metabolism differs from humans in important ways. Results that work in mice don’t always work in people. The abstract doesn’t specify how many mice were used or provide detailed statistical information about the results. The study was relatively short-term—we don’t know if the benefits would continue long-term or if side effects might develop with extended use. Additionally, this was a controlled laboratory setting; real-world results in humans eating varied diets would likely differ. Finally, the study doesn’t compare CLA to existing treatments for fatty liver disease, so we can’t say whether it would be better or worse than current options.

The Bottom Line

Based on this research, Cajanolactone A shows promise as a potential treatment for fatty liver disease, but it’s too early to recommend it clinically. The evidence is currently limited to laboratory studies in mice. If you have fatty liver disease, continue following your doctor’s recommendations: maintain a healthy weight, eat a balanced diet low in processed foods and added sugars, exercise regularly, and limit alcohol. If you’re interested in natural compounds, discuss options with your healthcare provider. Future human studies will determine whether CLA is safe and effective for people.

This research is most relevant to people with fatty liver disease (MAFLD), people at risk for developing it (those who are overweight or eat high-fat diets), and researchers developing new treatments. Healthcare providers treating liver disease should be aware of this emerging research. People interested in natural medicine and plant-based compounds may find this interesting. However, this research shouldn’t change anyone’s current treatment plan—it’s preliminary and requires human studies before clinical use.

If this compound eventually becomes available as a treatment, it would likely take several years. First, researchers need to conduct human safety studies (typically 1-2 years), then effectiveness studies (2-3 years), and finally regulatory approval (1-2 years). Even if all goes smoothly, we’re likely looking at 5-10 years before Cajanolactone A could potentially be available as a medication. In the meantime, proven lifestyle changes—diet, exercise, and weight management—remain the most effective approaches for managing fatty liver disease.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily intake of high-fat foods and monitor energy levels. Users could log meals and note which foods trigger fatigue or digestive discomfort. This creates awareness of dietary patterns that contribute to fatty liver disease while establishing a baseline for future comparison if treatments become available.
  • Users should focus on reducing processed foods and added sugars while increasing fiber intake from vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. The app could suggest specific meal swaps—for example, replacing fried foods with baked options or sugary drinks with water. Users could set a goal to increase physical activity to 150 minutes per week, which is proven to help reverse fatty liver disease.
  • Establish a long-term tracking system for liver health markers if users have access to blood tests (liver enzymes, triglycerides, cholesterol). Users should track weight, waist circumference, and energy levels monthly. The app could send reminders for regular doctor visits and lab work to monitor disease progression. As new treatments become available, users can compare their progress before and after implementation.

This research describes laboratory findings in mice and does not constitute medical advice. Cajanolactone A is not currently approved as a treatment for fatty liver disease in humans. If you have been diagnosed with fatty liver disease or metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), consult with your healthcare provider about appropriate treatment options. Do not self-treat or replace prescribed medications with unproven compounds without medical supervision. This article is for educational purposes only and should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always seek professional medical advice before making changes to your health regimen.