Antioxidative Properties of Thymus vulgaris on Liver Rats Induced by Paclitaxel

Background: Thymus vulgaris (Thym) is a species of flowering plant in the mint family Lamiaceae with potent antioxidant, and it has been beneficial effects during short‑term administration. Paclitaxel sold under the brand name Tax (Tax) is chemotherapy drug which capable to produce free radicals. Objective: This study was designed to evaluate the effects of Thym against toxic effects of Tax to the liver of rats. Materials and Methods: Sixty‑four male rats were assigned to eight groups: Control normal and Tax control groups (20 mg/kg); Thym groups (4.5, 9, 18 mg/kg), and Tax + Thym‑treated groups (4.5, 9, 18 mg/kg). Treatments were administered intraperitoneally daily for 2 weeks. Griess technique was assessed for determined serum nitrite oxide (NO) level. Aspartate aminotransferase, ALANINE aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase concentrations were determined for liver functional disturbances. In addition, liver malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), the diameter of hepatocytes, and the central hepatic vein (CHV) were investigated. Results: Tax administration significantly improved liver MDA and NO level, the mean diameter of CHV and hepatocyte, liver enzymes, and decreased TAC level compared to the normal control group (P < 0.001). The Thym and Thym + Tax treatments at all doses significantly reduced the mean diameter of hepatocyte and CHV, liver enzymes, liver MDA, and NO levels and increased TAC level compared to the Tax control group (P < 0.001). Conclusion: It seems that Thym administration improved liver injury induced by Tax in rats.