Fatty liver index is calculated using a formula that involved the waist circumference, body mass index, serum triglyceride, and y-glutamyl-transferase (GGT) of the individuals studied.
In this trial, the botanical blend studied consist of Sphaeranthus Indicus Flower Head and Terminalia Chebula Fruit Extracts. It was formulated by Gencor Pacific and Indian OEM and research firm Laila Pharmaceuticals.
Trademarked CL16049F1 and currently patent pending, the formula contains 95 per cent blend of aqueous extracts of Terminalia Chebula fruit and Sphaeranthus Indicus flower heads in a 2:1 ratio.
In a 12-week double blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial, the blend was compared with silymarin – also known as milk thistle, as well as placebo.
Ninety male and female subjects between 25 and 60 years old with elevated fatty liver index between 31 and 59 were recruited for the study.
Randomised into three groups, they received either 1) 300mg blend of Sphaeranthus Indicus Flower Head and Terminalia Chebula Fruit Extracts or 2) 320mg of milk thistle, or 3) placebo.
Findings of the study were published in Functional Foods in Health and Disease.
“There has been nothing new for a long time in the liver health space…We looked at the pathogenesis of liver conditions and found that excessive oxidative stress, lipids in the form of triglycerides, and reactive oxygen species can damage liver tissues.
“We then looked at Ayurveda and came across the three fruits used for treating liver problems, namely triphala, Terminalia Chebula, Sphaeranthus Indicus,” R. V. Venkatesh, CEO of Gencor told NutraIngredients-Asia.