A recent study conducted at the Chinese "Pharmaceutical" University revealed that a natural compound derived from saffron known as Crocin II helps reduce fat accumulation in the liver by targeting a protein associated with the development of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).

The disease affects 30% of people worldwide.

The study, published in the scientific journal "Targetome," explained that Crocin II works by binding to the ANGPTL8 protein, which accelerates fat breakdown inside liver cells. MASLD is one of the most common liver diseases globally, affecting about 30% of people, with projections that this proportion will rise to 55.7% by 2040.

Experiments showed that injections of Crocin II led to a decrease in body weight, improved blood lipid levels, and reduced fat accumulation in the liver, without observing obvious damage in the examined organs. It inhibits the activity of the target protein inside liver cells, enhancing its potential therapeutic effect.

The researchers emphasized that these results are still preclinical, as they were limited to laboratory studies and animal experiments, and do not mean that consuming saffron or its supplements achieves the same effect in humans. They stressed that extensive clinical trials are needed to evaluate the compound's efficacy and safety before it can be approved as a treatment option for fatty liver disease patients.