Natural compounds Monascin and Ankaflavin may reduce fatty liver disease by activating energy and fat metabolism pathways in high-fat diet mice

Monascin (MS) and ankaflavin (AK) significantly attenuated high-fat diet-induced elevation of total cholesterol and triglycerides in mice.

• MS and AK are secondary metabolites from Monascus-fermented products with potential effects on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
• Both compounds prevented fatty acid accumulation in liver cells by inhibiting the uptake of fatty acids and promoting their breakdown.
• MS and AK activated specific receptors and enzymes (PPAR-α and AMPK) that are involved in fatty acid metabolism.
• The administration of MS and AK resulted in a reduction of several lipids in the plasma, including total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.
• MS and AK may modulate gene expression related to liver fat accumulation and inflammation.

Simplified