Polyphenols and Flavonoids in Controlling Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is defined as an occurrence of fatty liver and related pathological consequences in non-alcoholic individuals. The understanding pertaining to NASH was first introduced in 1980 by Ludwig et al. (Ludwig J, Viggiano TR, McGill DB, Oh BJ. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis: Mayo Clinic experiences with a hitherto unnamed disease. Mayo Clin Proc 1980;. 55(7):434-438), but since then, there has been a serious scarcity of scientific information in this research area. However, the last decade has witnessed some research to decipher underlying mechanism of onset and progression of NASH and its possible therapeutic interventions. Existing treatment paradigms includes modification of life style, coupled with usage of antidiabetic or anti-obesity drugs and antioxidants. Polyphenols and flavonoids have been show to exert beneficial effects in conditions of insulin resistance, obesity and hyperlipidemia and hence, use of polyphenols and flavonoids rich extract in treatment of NASH is aptly justified. This chapter is a meticulous compilation of available literature on the beneficial effects of polyphenols and flavonoids in treating NASH. It also discusses the possibilities of the same being developed as effective therapeutic options with minimal side effects.