Regulatory Effect of Iranian Hypericum Scabrum Essential Oils on Hepatic Metabolizing Enzymes in Rats Treated by Acetaminophen

Abstract

Hypericum Scabrum is a traditional herbal drug with various therapeutic effects. The aim of the present study was to assess the modulating effect of Iranian Hypericum Scabrum essential oils on hepatic metabolizing enzymes in rats treated by acetaminophen. For this purpose, the activities of cytochrome P450 (CYP450), glutathione s-transferase (GST) and liver function markers (ALT, AST, ALP) together with level of GSH measured analytically in time intervals (2, 4, 8, 16 & 24 h) after treatments confirmed by histophatological consideration in rat livers. The results indicated that acetaminophen (500 mg/kg bw, i.p) was associated with extensive liver damages as judged by histological examinations. These results were corroborated with induction of CYP450 and reduction of GST activities concomitant with glutathione depletion in liver. Hepatic function markers (ALT, AST, ALP) was also significantly increased in treated rats. Treatment of Hypericum Scabrum essential oil (100 and 200 mg/kg b.w, i.p) concomitant with acetaminophen could modulate these parameters to normal value. These data confirmed by histopathological findings. Based on these data it appears that Hypericum Scabrum essential oil can modulate liver damages induce by acetaminophen through modulating its metabolism.