Zataria multiflora Essential oil Prevent Iron Oxide Nanoparticles-induced Liver Toxicity in Rat Model

Over loading of iron oxide nanoparticles can causes the liver injury through overproduction of free radicals. Zataria multiflora Boiss. (Lamiaceae) has been used for many years in folk medicine due to its antioxidant and antibacterial activities. This study evaluates -for the first time- the effect of Z. multiflora essential oil (EO) against iron oxide nanoparticles hepatotoxicity in rat model. Male Wistar rats were divided randomly into 4 groups; control group (C), non-treated control group (NT), treatment groups, nanoparticles plus Z. multiflora EO at 100 and 200 mg/kg b.w. In following, the liver and blood tissue were collected for estimating antioxidant / oxidative stress parameters including lipid peroxidation (LP), glutathione (GSH), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), and liver enzyme asparate transaminase (AST) and also histopathological examinations. Iron oxide nanoparticles toxicity produced a significant increase in the levels of LP, ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), and AST activity concomitant with decrease in the levels of GSH and GST activity compared to the control group. However, in the treatment groups received Z. multiflora EO, the levels of LP and AST activity reduced together with increasing in GSH content and GST activity were significantly reported. Histopathological studies also supported the biochemical assessments indicating hepatic improvements induced by nanoparticles. Z. multiflora EO protected the liver from injuries induced by iron oxide nanoparticles which can be correlated with its antioxidant activities. This can be a valuable candidate in modulating the oxidative hepatic injuries.