Study on the effect of Zataria multiflora essential oil & BHT in rat: Histopathological findings

Abstract

Zataria multiflora is an endemic plant in 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 .In the present study the hepathotoxicity was assassed in terms changes in histological damage and serum enzymes(SGOT , SGPT , ALP ) . In this study 25 male rats were divided into 5 equal groups randomly .Groups 1, 2 and 3 received Z.multiflora essential oil in different doses of 100, 200 and 300 µl / kg by gavage method respectively. Positive and negative control recieved BHT (15 mg /kg ) and normal saline. After 14 days all rats were killed and their livers and kidneys removed , fixed and prepared for histopathological evaluation. The result on this study showed that no sign of evidence of characteristic hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity was found in rat treated with different doses of Z. multiflora in this experiment . No significant changes was observed in relative weight of liver and kidney and serum enzymes in test group. In group BHT , mild billary hyperplasia and glomerular atrophy was seen. In conclusion , Z.multiflora has not poisonus effects on liver and kidney and can be use as antioxidant instead of BHT.