Do quercetin and apigenin show promise for treating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease?

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a condition where fat builds up in the liver, often linked to obesity and diabetes. Quercetin and apigenin are flavonoids, natural compounds found in many fruits and vegetables. Research suggests they may help treat NAFLD by reducing liver fat, inflammation, and oxidative stress. However, most studies are in cells or animals, and human evidence is still emerging.

What the research says

A systematic review of flavonoids from traditional Chinese medicine, including quercetin and apigenin, found they have multi-target effects that may protect against NAFLD by improving fat metabolism and reducing inflammation ⁴. Another review on natural products for NAFLD highlighted that quercetin and apigenin can regulate autophagy, a cellular cleanup process, through key signaling pathways like AMPK/SIRT1/mTOR, which helps break down fat droplets and reduce liver injury ⁹. A 2026 review of flavonoids noted that quercetin supplementation in NAFLD patients reduced intrahepatic lipid accumulation from 11.5% to 9.6%, showing clinical promise ¹¹. Additionally, a study on Portulaca oleracea L. (purslane) found that quercetin and apigenin improved non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a more severe form of NAFLD ¹⁰. While these findings are encouraging, most evidence comes from laboratory and animal studies, and more human trials are needed to confirm effectiveness and safety.

What to ask your doctor

• Given my NAFLD diagnosis, could quercetin or apigenin supplements be a helpful addition to my treatment plan?
• Are there any known interactions between these flavonoids and my current medications?
• What dosage of quercetin or apigenin has been studied for NAFLD, and is it safe for me?
• Should I focus on getting these compounds from food sources (like onions, apples, parsley) rather than supplements?
• How can I monitor my liver health to see if these natural compounds are making a difference?