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

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 mu l/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-beta 1, 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.