The effects of Zataria multiflora Boiss. (Shirazi thyme) on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and insulin resistance: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study is to evaluate the effects of Zataria multiflora Boiss. (Shirazi thyme) (ZM) supplementation on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and related insulin resistance (IR).

METHODS

In this randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial, 85 patients with NAFLD were administered either 700 mg ZM powder or placebo twice daily for 12 weeks. All patients were advised to follow the recommendations for diet modification.

RESULTS

ZM supplementation resulted in a significant reduction in serum insulin level (-2.72 ± 0.80 vs -0.67 ± 0.90, P=0.030), insulin resistance (-0.80 ± 0.22 vs 0.06 ± 0.22, P=0.023), systolic (-3.44 ± 1.05 vs 1.03 ± 0.98, P= 0.002) and diastolic (-2.33 ± 0.77 vs 0.26 ± 0.63, P= 0.009) blood pressure in patients with NAFLD in comparison with the placebo group. There was no significant difference between two groups regarding serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), grade of fatty liver in ultrasonography, lipid profiles, and other outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

ZM supplementation with daily dose of 1400 mg for 12 weeks improved insulin resistance in patients with NAFLD. Further studies with longer duration and larger sample size are recommended.