Researchers tested a plant called Conyza bonariensis to see if it could help treat fatty liver disease, a condition where fat builds up in the liver. Using rats fed a high-fat diet, scientists found that an extract from this plant improved liver health, reduced inflammation, and helped the body process fats better. The plant extract worked similarly to a known liver-protecting drug. While these results are encouraging, the study was done in rats, so more research in humans is needed before we know if it will work the same way for people.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether an extract from a plant called Conyza bonariensis could help treat fatty liver disease by reducing fat buildup and inflammation in the liver
  • Who participated: 42 laboratory rats (Sprague-Dawley breed) weighing 200-300 grams were divided into six groups: a healthy control group, a group with fatty liver disease, a group treated with a known liver medicine, and three groups treated with different amounts of the plant extract
  • Key finding: Rats treated with the plant extract, especially those receiving the highest dose, showed significant improvements in liver function tests, fat levels in the blood, and markers of stress in their cells (p < 0.05). The liver tissue also showed less fat buildup and inflammation when examined under a microscope
  • What it means for you: This plant extract may eventually become a natural treatment option for fatty liver disease, but it’s important to remember this was tested in rats. Much more research, including studies in humans, is needed before anyone should consider using it as a treatment. Talk to a doctor before trying any new supplements

The Research Details

Scientists conducted two types of experiments. First, they used computer modeling to predict how the plant’s active ingredients would interact with specific proteins involved in fatty liver disease. Second, they performed a live animal study where rats were fed a high-fat diet to develop fatty liver disease, then treated them with different doses of the plant extract for 28 days. The researchers measured changes in blood tests, liver function markers, and examined liver tissue under a microscope to see if the extract helped.

The study compared the plant extract to silymarin, a well-known substance already used to support liver health. By testing three different doses (250, 500, and 750 mg per kilogram of body weight), the researchers could determine which amount worked best and whether more was always better.

This approach of combining computer predictions with actual animal testing helps scientists understand both how a treatment might work and whether it actually does work in a living body.

Testing in animals before human trials is important because it helps researchers understand if a treatment is safe and effective without risking human health. The computer modeling part helps identify which parts of the plant are most likely to help, making the research more focused and efficient. This combination approach gives scientists confidence that if they move forward to human studies, they’ll have good reason to believe the treatment might work.

This study has some strengths: it used a recognized rat model of fatty liver disease, measured multiple markers of liver health, examined actual tissue changes, and included a comparison to a known treatment. However, there are limitations to consider: the study was only done in rats, not humans; the sample size was relatively small; and we don’t know all the details about how the study was conducted. Results in animals don’t always translate to humans, so this research should be seen as a promising first step rather than proof that the treatment works in people.

What the Results Show

The plant extract significantly improved liver function in rats with fatty liver disease. Blood tests showed improvements in liver enzymes (markers of liver damage), cholesterol levels, and triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood). The highest dose of the plant extract (750 mg/kg) worked best, producing results similar to silymarin, the comparison treatment.

When researchers examined liver tissue under a microscope, they found that rats treated with the plant extract had less fat accumulation in their liver cells and less inflammation compared to untreated rats with fatty liver disease. This suggests the extract was actually helping the liver heal, not just improving blood test numbers.

The plant extract also reduced markers of oxidative stress, which means it helped protect liver cells from damage caused by harmful molecules. This protective effect is important because oxidative stress is thought to be a major factor in how fatty liver disease develops and gets worse.

The study found that the plant extract appeared to work by affecting specific pathways in the body that control how fats are made and stored. Computer modeling suggested the active ingredients in the plant could interact with proteins called PPAR-alpha, PPAR-gamma, and AMPK, which are known to be important in controlling fat metabolism. The extract also improved general blood health markers, including hemoglobin levels and overall blood cell counts, suggesting it may have broader protective effects beyond just the liver.

This research fits with previous studies showing that Conyza bonariensis has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The finding that the plant extract worked similarly to silymarin is encouraging because silymarin is already used in some countries to support liver health. However, most previous research on this plant has been done in test tubes or with different parts of the plant, so this is one of the first studies testing this specific extract in a whole-body animal model of fatty liver disease.

The biggest limitation is that this study was done in rats, not humans. Rat bodies work differently from human bodies in important ways, so results may not translate directly. The study didn’t track how long the benefits lasted after treatment stopped. We also don’t know the exact chemical makeup of the extract or whether all batches would be equally effective. The study didn’t examine potential side effects in detail or test interactions with other medications. Finally, the sample size was relatively small, which means results could be due to chance rather than the treatment itself.

The Bottom Line

Based on this rat study, the Conyza bonariensis extract appears promising for fatty liver disease treatment (moderate confidence level). However, human studies are essential before any recommendations can be made for people. If you have fatty liver disease, current evidence-based approaches include weight loss, reducing sugar intake, limiting alcohol, and regular exercise. Do not self-treat with this plant extract without consulting your doctor, as it hasn’t been tested for safety or effectiveness in humans.

This research is most relevant to people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, researchers studying natural treatments for liver disease, and pharmaceutical companies interested in developing new therapies. People with obesity, type 2 diabetes, or metabolic syndrome should care because they’re at higher risk for fatty liver disease. However, this research should NOT yet be used to guide personal health decisions—it’s too early for that. Anyone considering using this plant should first talk to their healthcare provider.

In the rat study, improvements were seen after 28 days of treatment. If this plant extract eventually proves effective in humans, it would likely take weeks to months to see benefits. However, we don’t yet know if it would work in humans or how long treatment would need to continue. Any real-world use would require much longer studies to establish safe dosing and duration of treatment.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • If this treatment ever becomes available for human use, users could track liver function markers (ALT, AST enzymes) through periodic blood tests, along with weight, waist circumference, and energy levels. Monthly measurements would help determine if the treatment is working.
  • While waiting for human studies, users can take action now by tracking diet quality (reducing high-fat and high-sugar foods), exercise minutes per week, and alcohol consumption. These proven approaches help prevent and manage fatty liver disease.
  • Long-term tracking should include quarterly liver function blood tests, regular weight monitoring, and symptom tracking (fatigue, abdominal discomfort). Users should maintain a food diary to identify dietary patterns that affect their liver health and work with healthcare providers to adjust treatment as needed.

This research was conducted in rats and has not been tested in humans. The findings are preliminary and should not be used to guide personal health decisions. Conyza bonariensis extract is not approved by the FDA for treating any condition. If you have fatty liver disease or are considering using any supplement or herbal treatment, consult with your healthcare provider first. Do not stop or replace prescribed medications with unproven treatments. This summary is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.