Hepatoprotective effect of Zataria Multiflora Boiss against malathion-induced oxidative stress in male rats

Abstract

This study was aimed to evaluate the protective effects of methanolic extract of Zataria Multiflora Boiss (Z. multiflora) against oxidative stress induced by malathion (MT) in male Wistar rats in comparison to N-acetylcysteine (NAC). Rats were randomly divided into 6 groups (n: 8) and treated daily for 28 days. They received MT (150 mg/kg), Z. multiflora methanolic extract (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg), and NAC (200 mg/kg) alone or in combination. This study included a histopathological examination of liver tissue in parallel with measurement of serum aminotransferases. Activities of antioxidant enzymes, total glutathione (GSH), and lipid peroxidation end products in plasma and tissue were also measured. Subacute exposure of rats to MT resulted in a significant morphological change in tissue, an increase in plasma aminotransferases, and oxidative damage. Both NAC and Z. multiflora at the dose of 200 mg/kg significantly reduced MT-induced oxidative stress by inhibiting lipid peroxidation, increasing the content of glutathion, and restoring the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase. Biochemical and histological observations also showed a dose dependent hepatoprotective effect of Z. multiflora extract against subacute exposure to MT.