Evaluation of the antioxidant activity of the essential oil of Zataria multiflora in rat

Abstract

Zataria multiflora Boiss. is an endemic plant to Iran which has been used traditionally in food, especially in yoghurt as a flavouring agent, stimulant, condiment, carminative and for treatment of pre-mature labor pains and rupture. The extracts of aerial parts of Z. multiflora showed anti-inflammatory effects against acute and chronic inflammations in mice and rats .Our in vitro studies have confirmed the antioxidant activity of the essential oil. In the present work, we wish to report the In vivo antioxidant potential of the essential oil of the plant in rat. Antioxidant activity was measured by inhibition of 1,1 diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH) radical and beta carotene bleaching test in serum of treated rats. Rats received the essential oil of Z. multiflora at doses of 100, 150 and 200 µl/kg daily by intragastric intubation for 10 consecutive days. The obtained results showed significant antioxidant activity in the DPPH test at all studied doses in comparing to control. This activity was in all doses compareable to that of BHT. No mortality was reported in the tested doses. The results here confirm in vivo antioxidant activity of the essential oil of Z. multiflora. Further studies in details are needed to find if this plant has any toxicity in comparing to BHT on vital organs like liver or kidney.