Protective effects of Origanum vulgare ethanol extract against cyclophosphamide-induced liver toxicity in mice

Context: Despite its wide clinical use, cyclophosphamide (CP), an alkylating chemotherapeutic agent, possesses many adverse effects, including hepatotoxicity. Because Origanum vulgare L. (Lamiaceae) has antioxidative properties, it might protect against above-mentioned damage. Objective: This study evaluated the protective effects of O. vulgare extract on CP-induced liver toxicity. Materials and methods: Mice were pretreated with aerial parts of O. vulgare ethanolic extract (intraperitoneally) at doses of 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg for 7 consecutive days before the administration of a single 200 mg/kg intraperitoneal dose of CP 1 h after the last injection of O. vulgare. After 24 h, animals were anesthetized, blood samples and hepatic tissues were collected and used for biochemical and histological examination. Results: Serum levels of hepatic markers were increased after CP treatment but restored in the O. vulgare-pretreated groups. The serum ALT, AST, and ALP of the CP group were 196.49 +/- 3.82, 143.78 +/- 4.79, and 203.18 +/- 3.81 IU/l, respectively. However, pretreatment with 400 mg/kg O. vulgare significantly decreased the serum ALT, AST, and ALP to 52.49 +/- 2.18, 44.78 +/- 2.06, and 65.62 +/- 1.73 IU/l, respectively (p<0.001). Histological examinations also confirmed the protective effects of O. vulgare against CP-induced liver toxicity. Discussion and conclusion: Our results reveal that O. vulgare with high amount of flavonoids and phenolic compounds induces potent hepatoprotective mechanisms against CP. Therefore, O. vulgare might help defend the body against the side effects, particularly hepatic damages induced by chemotherapeutic agents.