Oral treatment with Davilla Elliptica A. St,-Hil. leaves improves liver steatosis and lipid metabolism on a diet-induced obese mice model

Background: Davilla elliptica A. St.-Hil, also known as “lixeirinha or sambaibinha” is a shrub belonging to the Dilleniaceae family that occurs naturally in the Brazilian savannah (Cerrado). Research studies have shown evidence of its gastroprotective effect, as well as its benefits as an anti-nociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant. However, there are no studies testing the potential effects of D. elliptica on treating metabolic parameters and obesity. Purpose: The aim of the present study was to investigate D. elliptica effects on hepatic steatosis induced by a high-fat/high-sugar diet. Methods: Animal experimentation was performed using male Swiss mice divided into four groups: ST (standard control), HLHS (obese control), HLHS+EAF (ethyl-acetate fraction), and HLHS+PL (leaf powder). The groups were treated for four weeks with 0.26 mg/kg/body weight. Results: The main findings of the present study showed that D. elliptica reduced hepatic lipid deposition, body weight, triglycerides, and total cholesterol levels. Gene expression analysis showed that GPX4 and PPARγ mRNA were significantly suppressed in HLHS + EAF mice livers. Conclusion: The present study contributes to elucidating the D. elliptica metabolic role in decreasing GPX4 and PPARγ expression in the HLHS group.