Hepatoprotective Mechanisms of Natural Antioxidants in Diabetes-Induced Liver Dysfunction

Kamanzi Ntakirutimana G.

School of Natural and Applied Sciences Kampala International University Uganda

ABSTRACT

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by persistent hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and impaired glucose homeostasis. Among its complications, liver dysfunction is common, often manifesting as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, steatohepatitis, oxidative damage, inflammation, and fibrosis. Oxidative stress, resulting from an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and endogenous antioxidant defenses, plays a central role in diabetic liver injury. ROS damage hepatocyte membranes, proteins, and DNA, triggering apoptosis, inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Natural antioxidants from plants, fruits, and dietary sources offer hepatoprotective effects by scavenging ROS, enhancing enzymes like superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase, modulating inflammatory pathways such as NF-κB and MAPK, and improving lipid and glucose metabolism. Preclinical and limited clinical studies demonstrate reductions in oxidative stress, improved liver function, and preservation of hepatocyte integrity. Optimizing bioavailability, dosing, and long-term safety is essential for clinical translation of these therapies.

Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, oxidative stress, natural antioxidants, hepatoprotection, liver dysfunction

CITE AS: Kamanzi Ntakirutimana G. (2026). Hepatoprotective Mechanisms of Natural Antioxidants in Diabetes-Induced Liver Dysfunction.

IDOSR JOURNAL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 12(1):109-113. https://doi.org/10.59298/IDOSR/JST/26/113.109113