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.