Alteration in Hematological and Biochemical Parameters Following the Long-Term Consumption of Zataria multiflora Essential Oil in Patients Infected with Liver Hydatid Disease

Background: Zataria multiflora Boiss is a well-known medicinal plant and its essential oil (EO) is traditionally used for treatment of respiratory and digestive disorders as well as bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic infections. This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of the long-term consumption of Z. multiflora EO on the hematological and biochemical parameters of patients infected with liver hydatid disease. Methods: Fifteen patients were administered orally with Z. multiflora EO (60 mg daily) for six months. Hematological and biochemical analyses were performed on the blood samples of patients before the start of treatment and after the completion of the treatment course. In the hematological analysis, WBC, RBC, Hb, hematocrit, MCV, MCH, MCHC and platelet levels were measured. In the biochemical analysis, FBS, BUN, creatinine, cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL, Na, K, Cl, AST, ALT, and ALK were assessed. Results: No significant changes were observed in the values of the patients’ hematological parameters after treatment. No significant changes also occurred in the values of FBS, BUN, creatinine, cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL, Na, and K. The mean values of AST, ALT and ALK enzymes decreased significantly after treatment (P˂0.05). No adverse clinical event was noticed in the patients during the course of the study. Conclusion: Long-term consumption of Z. multiflora EO induced no adverse effect on the hematological and biochemical parameters of patients infected with liver hydatid disease. Since Z. multiflora EO reduced the level of liver transaminases (AST, ALT and ALK), this herbal product may be considered as a hepatoprotective agent in human beings.