The therapeutic effect of Cinnamomum cassia essential oil against hepatotoxicity induced by co-exposure to lead and manganese in developing Wistar rats

Abstract

The present study was designed to evaluate the protective effect of Cinnamomum cassia essential oil (CCEO) on hepatotoxicity induced by co-exposure to lead acetate (Pb) (2.84mg/ml) and manganese chloride (Mn) (4.79mg/ml) in developing Wistar rats. After weaning, rats exposed to Pb-Mn received injections of Cinnamomum cassia essential oil (0.1 ml/kg) for 21 days. Extraction by hydrodistillation yielded 1.10% of OECC and the characterization of this oil by GC-MS indicates that the major components of this oil are: E-cinnamaldehyde (85.77%), linalool (3.70%), Z-cinnamaldehyde (3.22%) and B-phellandréne (1.19%). The concentration of lead and manganese in hepatocyte tissues was significantly increased compared to control rats. However, levels of hepatic markers such as Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were significantly increased in blood in Pb-Mn poisoned rats. Pb-Mn-induced oxidative stress in liver tissue was indicated by decreased levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase respectively. Histologically, the liver showed several tissue alterations such as hepatocyte necrosis and the presence of steatosis foci. Administration of OECC considerably attenuated previous biochemical alterations as well as histological and cellular changes in liver tissue. In this study, we can conclude that the Cinnamomum cassia essential oil showed a hepatoprotective effect.
 Keywords: Essential oil, Cinnamomum cassia, CG/MS, Hepatotoxicity, Lead acetate, Manganese chloride.