Gender linked negative consequences of “Nigella sativa” seeds and “Plantago ovata” husk on fibrosis in the energy-rich diet (ERD) induced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)

Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a developing liver problem mainly linked with the consumption of an ‘energy-rich-diet (ERD) in Asian countries including both females and males. NAFLD is associated with fibrosis in advanced stages. Medicinal herbs are being used to cut down the excessive fat of the body conventionally. Therefore, the current study was aimed to evaluate the lipid lowering factor against ERD induced fibrosis. 
Materials and methods: 40 female (F) and 40 male (M) Rattus norvegicus, subdivided as four groups Groups 0, I, II and III according to their nutritional content. Group-0 received 100% rat chow and Group-I received ERD. Group-II and Group-III received ERD supplemented with 5% Nigella sativa seeds/Plantago. ovata husk per kg ERD, respectively. 
Results: Histopathological evaluation of the liver showed pericellular and portal and fibrosis in both F-I and F-II. Radial fibrosis was detected in the M-II group, and peri lobular as well as bridging fibrosis between portal triads in the M-III and F-III groups. 
Conclusion: In the light of the present findings, it is inferred that male livers were more susceptible to DRE-induced fibrosis. N. sativa seeds proved auspicious in minimizing fibrosis, whereas P. ovata pods caused advanced liver fibrosis with DRE. 
 