The protective effect of Zataria multiflora Boiss essential oil on CCl₄ induced liver fibrosis in rats

Abstract

Activation of hepatic stellate cells by free radicals is an initial step in the development of liver fibrosis. Zataria multiflora Boiss (ZM) essential oil as a natural product has antioxidant activity and maybe a suitable candidate for treatment or prevention of the disease. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the protective effect of ZM oil in CCl₄ induced liver fibrosis. Male rats were divided into 5 groups, group C: control rats; CO: vehicle control group; CE: rats that received essential oil (500 µl/kg); F: fibrosis group, rat were intraperitoneally injected with CCl₄ (1 mL/kg); FE: fibrosis rats that received both CCl₄ and ZM essential oil as mentioned above. At the end of the 11th week, serum samples and liver tissues were collected for the evaluation of fibrosis markers, liver enzymes, oxidative stress parameters and histopathological studies. The results showed a significant increase in the activity of serum AST, ALT, total bilirubin, TGF-β1, hyaluronan, and hydroxyproline levels in serum and liver tissues in F group. Also, an abnormality in lipid profile and the existence of oxidative stress was found in serum and liver tissues in F group compared to the control groups. Our study showed that ZM essential oil could ameliorate mentioned parameters. Histopathological examinations confirmed the results of biochemical evaluations.

Keywords:

• Zataria multiflora Boiss
• essential oil
• liver fibrosis
• carbon tetrachloride
• rat

Acknowledgements

This research was financially supported by grants number 96-GR-VT-11 and 95-GR-VT-235254 from Shiraz University Research Council.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by School of Veterinary Science, Shiraz University.