Metabolic syndrome is recognized as a proinflammatory condition leading to hepatic steatosis and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). We tested the effects of a succulent species
Hoodia parviflora
N.E. Br., of the
genus Hoodia sweet
ex Dence, on animal models of NASH and insulin resistance (
ob/ob
mouse and the sand rat
Psammomys obesus
). IL6 secretion was evaluated by ELISA and hepatic signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 by Western blot. We followed liver enzymes, weight, glucose, hepatic histology, hepatic triglycerides (TGs), and total fat and serum insulin. Oral administration of extracts derived from
H. parviflora
alleviated the insulin resistance manifested by improved glucose tolerance tests. Treatment alleviated the liver injury noted by a decrease in liver enzyme levels, improved intrahepatic TG content, total hepatic fat, and improved hepatic histology. Similarly, treatment with
H. parviflora
reduced hepatic inflammation in mice with Concanavalin A-induced hepatitis. These effects were independent of food consumption and weight.
H. parviflora
was associated with alleviated insulin resistance, hepatic steatosis, and liver injury. The data support its use as a liver protector.
