Abstract
Marrubium vulgare is used as popular medicine in many countries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the essential oils as natural antioxidants. Moreover, lipid profile and antihepatotoxic properties of different concentrations of the extract against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) which cause liver damage in rats are examined. Different concentrations of the extract were taken orally at levels of 100, 200, 300 and 400 mg /kg-1 body weight from Marrubium vulgare leaves separately in normal saline 5 ml/ kg-1 body weight, four times per week for four weeks along with CCl4 started at the fourth week of induction of hepatotoxicity. The antihepatotoxic activity was assessed by measuring aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) as well as histopathological examination. Different concentrations of extract showed significant antihepatotoxic effects by reducing the levels of AST and ALT significantly; meanwhile, ALP level was non-significantly decreased. Regarding the antioxidant activity, the extract exhibited significant effects by increasing the decreased glutathione GSH, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and the lowered production of MDA. Furthermore, different concentrations of the extract of Marrubium vulgare protect the rats' livers against CCl4- induced hepatotoxicity. This effect may be attributed to the antioxidant activities of these extracts and also, these extracts had contained flavonoid compounds and phenolic acids as natural antioxidants.
In conclusion, the results obviously supported the possible antihepatic effects of Marrubium vulgare extracts against CCl4-induced hepatic damage in rats. Antihepatic damage effect might be due to the fact that the essential oil has natural antioxidants.