Researchers discovered that dihydroquercetin (DHQ), a natural compound found in plants, may help treat fatty liver disease caused by poor diet and metabolism problems. Using laboratory tests and mouse studies, scientists found that DHQ works by activating special pathways in the body that reduce fat buildup in the liver and calm down inflammation. The compound appears to work by triggering the body’s natural fat-burning processes and reducing harmful inflammatory chemicals. While these early results are promising, more human studies are needed before doctors can recommend it as a treatment.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a natural plant compound called dihydroquercetin could help treat fatty liver disease by understanding how it works in the body at a molecular level
  • Who participated: Laboratory mice fed a high-fat diet to develop fatty liver disease, and human liver cells grown in dishes. No human participants were involved in this study.
  • Key finding: Dihydroquercetin significantly reduced liver fat, improved blood fat levels, and decreased inflammation in both the mouse model and lab-grown liver cells by activating the body’s natural fat-burning pathways
  • What it means for you: This research suggests DHQ could become a future treatment for fatty liver disease, but it’s still in early stages. Don’t take DHQ supplements based on this study alone—talk to your doctor first, as human studies are still needed to confirm safety and effectiveness

The Research Details

This study combined three different research approaches to understand how dihydroquercetin works. First, researchers used computer analysis to predict which body pathways DHQ might affect and which ones are involved in fatty liver disease. Second, they tested DHQ in mice that developed fatty liver disease from eating a high-fat diet, measuring changes in liver weight, blood fat levels, and liver damage. Third, they grew human liver cells in dishes, added excess fat to create a disease-like condition, and treated them with DHQ to see what happened at the cellular level.

The researchers measured multiple things to understand the full picture: they checked blood tests like liver enzymes and cholesterol, looked at liver tissue under a microscope, measured inflammatory chemicals, and used special techniques to see which genes and proteins were turned on or off. This multi-layered approach helps confirm that the results are real and not just coincidence.

This type of study is valuable because it combines computer predictions with real biological experiments, helping researchers understand not just whether something works, but how it works in the body.

Understanding the exact mechanism—how DHQ actually works—is crucial because it helps scientists predict whether it might work in humans and what side effects to watch for. By testing in both whole organisms (mice) and isolated cells, researchers can see if the effects happen at multiple levels of biology. This approach is more convincing than testing in just one system.

Strengths: The study used multiple complementary methods (computer analysis, animal models, and cell cultures), measured many different outcomes, and included appropriate controls. The research was published in a peer-reviewed journal. Limitations: No human subjects were tested, so we don’t know if results will translate to people. The sample size for animal studies wasn’t specified. Results from lab dishes don’t always match what happens in whole organisms or humans. This is early-stage research meant to guide future studies, not provide definitive answers.

What the Results Show

In mice with fatty liver disease, dihydroquercetin treatment led to significant improvements across multiple measures. The mice gained less weight overall and their livers became smaller and healthier-looking under the microscope. Blood tests showed improvements in cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and liver enzyme levels (which indicate liver damage) decreased, suggesting the liver was healing.

At the cellular level, DHQ appeared to work by activating a special switch called AMPK that tells the body to burn more fat and produce less fat. It also blocked a protein called ACC that normally tells cells to make more fat. Additionally, DHQ reduced inflammatory chemicals like IL-1β and TNF-α that cause damage and swelling in the liver.

When researchers tested DHQ on human liver cells grown in dishes with excess fat, they saw similar results: less fat accumulated inside the cells and fewer inflammatory chemicals were produced. Importantly, when they artificially stabilized a protein called HIF-1α (which DHQ normally reduces), some of DHQ’s protective effects disappeared, suggesting this protein is a key part of how DHQ works.

The research identified 37 different molecular targets where DHQ could potentially act in the body. Computer analysis showed that the HIF-1α/VEGF pathway—a communication system between cells—appears to be particularly important. The study also found that DHQ’s effects depend on activating the LKB1-AMPK axis, which is like a master switch for cellular energy and fat metabolism. These secondary findings help explain why DHQ has such broad protective effects rather than just one simple action.

This research builds on previous knowledge that DHQ has antioxidant (reduces harmful molecules) and anti-inflammatory (reduces swelling and inflammation) properties. What’s new here is identifying the specific pathways involved, particularly the HIF-1α/VEGF system. Previous studies showed DHQ could help with various health conditions, but this is one of the first to carefully map out how it might work specifically for fatty liver disease. The findings align with other research showing that activating AMPK and reducing HIF-1α signaling can help reverse fatty liver disease.

This study has several important limitations to consider. Most significantly, all experiments were done in mice or in laboratory dishes—no human patients were involved. What works in mice doesn’t always work the same way in people due to differences in metabolism and complexity. The study didn’t test different doses of DHQ or compare it to existing treatments. We don’t know the optimal dose for humans or whether DHQ would be safe and effective in real patients. The study also didn’t follow animals long-term to see if benefits lasted. Additionally, the exact dose and purity of DHQ used wasn’t clearly specified, making it harder for other scientists to replicate the work. Finally, this is a single study, so results need to be confirmed by independent researchers before drawing firm conclusions.

The Bottom Line

Based on this research, dihydroquercetin shows promise as a potential future treatment for fatty liver disease (moderate confidence level). However, current evidence is not strong enough to recommend it for patients yet. People with fatty liver disease should continue following proven approaches: maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet low in processed foods, exercising regularly, and limiting alcohol. If you’re interested in DHQ supplements, discuss with your doctor before starting, as human safety and effectiveness data are still lacking. Don’t replace standard medical care with DHQ-based treatments.

This research is most relevant to people with metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MASLD), which is increasingly common in people who are overweight or have diabetes. It may also interest people with metabolic syndrome or those at risk for liver disease. Researchers and pharmaceutical companies developing new treatments should pay attention. However, people without liver disease don’t need to take DHQ supplements based on this study. Pregnant women, nursing mothers, and people taking certain medications should avoid DHQ without medical guidance.

If DHQ eventually becomes an approved treatment, it would likely take 5-10 years of human studies before it’s available. In the meantime, the proven ways to improve fatty liver disease—weight loss, exercise, and dietary changes—can show benefits within 3-6 months. Any future DHQ treatment would probably work alongside these lifestyle changes rather than replacing them.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track liver health markers if you have access to blood tests: measure ALT and AST (liver enzymes), triglycerides, and cholesterol every 3 months. Also track weight, waist circumference, and energy levels weekly. If DHQ becomes available as a treatment, these metrics would show whether it’s working.
  • Use the app to build habits that naturally support liver health while waiting for more research: log daily exercise (aim for 150 minutes weekly), track meals to reduce processed foods and added sugars, monitor alcohol consumption (limit or eliminate), and track weight loss progress (aim for 5-10% reduction if overweight). These changes work synergistically with any future DHQ treatment.
  • Set up monthly reminders to assess overall liver health through a combination of metrics: weight trends, energy levels, digestive comfort, and any symptoms like fatigue or abdominal discomfort. If you eventually use DHQ under medical supervision, track these same metrics to monitor response. Share trends with your healthcare provider during regular check-ups.

This research is preliminary and has not been tested in humans. Dihydroquercetin is not currently approved by the FDA as a treatment for fatty liver disease. Do not start taking DHQ supplements or change your medical treatment based on this study alone. If you have fatty liver disease or metabolic concerns, consult with your healthcare provider about proven treatments and lifestyle changes. This summary is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice. Always discuss new supplements or treatments with your doctor, especially if you take other medications or have existing health conditions.