Effects of Green Coffee Bean Extract Supplementation on Patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a major worldwide public health problem with no effective treatment options. Green coffee bean extract (GCBE) is a rich source of bioactive phytochemicals with a variety of biochemical and physiological effects. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of GCBE on the management of patients with NAFLD. Methods: 44 patients with NAFLD were enrolled in a parallel, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. The participants were administered either GCBE or placebo (1 gram/day) for 8 weeks. They also were advised to follow a standard energy-balanced diet and physical activity. Liver ultrasonography, anthropometric variables, and biochemical parameters were compared at pre- and post-intervention. Results: GCBE significantly improved the levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol, free fatty acids (FFAs), fasting blood sugar (FBS), homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) compared to the placebo group. On the other hand, there were no significant differences between the two groups in body weight, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, LDL-C to HDL-C ratio, insulin, degree of steatosis, aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). Conclusions: GCBE supplementation may benefit patients with NAFLD. These beneficial effects may be due to the possible ability of GCBE to improve insulin sensitivity and its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.