Dietary supplement of veratric acid alleviates liver steatosis and reduces abdominal fat deposition in broilers.

Our assessment

This study from 2024 explored whether veratric acid (VA), a compound from the Chinese herb Trollius chinensis Bunge, could reduce fatty liver and abdominal fat in broiler chickens. The researchers used a laboratory model, treating chicken liver cells (Leghorn male hepatoma cells) with a mixture of oleic acid and palmitic acid to mimic fatty liver conditions. This is a cell-based study, not a human trial, so no human participants or study duration are available. The sample size is not provided, but it is a small study limited to cells in a dish NIH ODS ↗.

How it works

The researchers found that veratric acid helped reduce the buildup of fat in the chicken liver cells. What this means for you is that veratric acid, known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, shows potential for addressing conditions like nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and obesity. However, because this research was done only on cells, not in living animals or humans, these findings are very preliminary. You should not consider veratric acid as a treatment for fatty liver or weight loss based on this data alone NIH ODS ↗.

Safety profile

Data not available. No adverse event reports or side effect data from the FDA are provided for veratric acid in this study FDA FAERS ↗.

Our recommendation

Do not use veratric acid based on this single cell study. The research is at a very early stage, and the effects on human health are unknown. Stick with established, evidence-based strategies for liver health and weight management, such as a balanced diet and regular exercise NIH ODS ↗.