Pinitol is a naturally occurring compound found in several plants, including carob and soybeans. Its use for fatty liver disease (nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, NAFLD) is supported by a modest but growing body of preclinical and limited clinical research, rather than traditional medicine practices. The primary rationale for its use is based on its insulin-sensitizing and hepatoprotective properties.

Animal studies have shown that pinitol can reduce hepatic lipid accumulation and improve markers of liver function, possibly by enhancing insulin sensitivity and modulating lipid metabolism. For example, studies in rodent models of diet-induced NAFLD have demonstrated that pinitol supplementation lowers liver triglyceride levels and ameliorates steatosis. Proposed mechanisms include inhibition of hepatic lipogenesis, improvement of oxidative stress markers, and anti-inflammatory effects.

Human clinical data are sparse. A handful of small trials and pilot studies in people with insulin resistance or early-stage NAFLD have reported improvements in liver enzymes (ALT, AST) and metabolic parameters with pinitol supplementation, but these studies are generally of low quality, short duration, and small sample size. Systematic reviews and authoritative guidelines do not currently endorse pinitol as a standard treatment for fatty liver disease.

In summary, the evidence supporting pinitol’s use in fatty liver disease is primarily preclinical, with limited, low-quality clinical data. More rigorous, large-scale human trials are needed to confirm its efficacy and safety for this indication.