Hepatoprotective effects of marjoram (Origanum marjorana L.) on oxidative stress against Carbon-Tetrachloride-Induced Toxicity in Rats

Liver injury induced by viruses, toxic chemicals, certain drugs and environmental pollutants, has been on the increase for the past few decades and recognized as a toxicological problem. Carbon tetrachloride is a xenobiotic that produces hepatotoxicity. Marjoram is popular herb for its beneficial or therapeutic health effect. The present study was carried out to investigate the hepatoprotective effect of marjoram against carbon tetrachloride intoxication in rats compared with drug (25mg/kg diet). Albino rats weighing 200 ± 5 g were subjected to hepatotoxicity by injection of (0.1 m1/100 g b.wt.) Ccla twice weekly for two weeks intraperitoneally except the control group. Rats were divided into 7 groups (n = 6) of non- hepatotoxicity , non- hepatotoxicity and treated, hepatotoxicity non-treated and hepatotoxicity treated with drug, marjoram powder or their essential oil . After 4 weeks the rats fed with spice or their essential oil supplied to hepatotoxic rats had significantly decreased levels of glucose. The treatment also resulted in a significant improvement in lipid profile, liver function and kidney function. However, a significant increase in the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and glutathione reduced (GSH) were observed in blood of hepatotoxicified rats treated with marjoram. The treated groups showed a significant decrement in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (MDA) in serum. Since the study of induction of the redox enzymes is considered to be a reliable marker for evaluating the antiperoxidative efficacy of the spices, these findings suggest a possible antiperoxidative role derived from such essential oil. Treatment with spices marjoram or their essential oil reduced the histopathological liver, kidney, heart and spleen abnormalities associated with hepatotoxicity. Moreover to the anti hepatotoxicity effect it possess antioxidant potential that may be used for therapeutic purposes. The present study showed that marjoram was able to prevent or reduce the severity of carbon tetrachloride - induced liver injury.