Scientists have discovered a common gut fungus that may help treat non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), particularly its more severe form, known as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH).

The fungus, Fusarium foetens, naturally exists within the human gut microbiome. Recent research has shown that when used to treat mice with liver conditions similar to MASH, F. foetens significantly improved liver health, including reductions in inflammation and fibrosis.

This beneficial effect is believed to be due to a compound produced by F. foetens, called FF-C1, which helps regulate chemical reactions in the liver and reduces liver damage.

The discovery opens up new possibilities for treating MASH, a condition that is increasingly common and currently lacks effective therapies. However, researchers emphasize that the study is still in its early stages, and further clinical trials are needed to confirm its safety and effectiveness in humans.

This is an important step in advancing our understanding of the role of the gut microbiome—especially fungal species—in liver health and offers potential for developing new microbiome-based treatments.