Effects of Carvacrol on Rifampin-induced Liver Injury in Male Wistar Rats

Background: Several investigations have reported the advantages and antioxidant properties of Carvacrol in neutralizing free radicals and mitigating oxidative stress. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of Carvacrol on liver damage induced by rifampin (Rif) in Wistar rats. Methods: We employed a rat model to induce acute liver damage through the administration of Rif (100 mg/kg). Subsequently, varying doses of Carvacrol at 10, 50, or 100 mg/kg were orally administered to the rats for 28 days. Following this period, the levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), bilirubin, and total protein in the rats’ serum samples were assessed. Further, the liver enzymes of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH), as indicators of oxidative stress, and the activity of antioxidant enzymes, namely superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), were quantified in the sera. Results: The Rif administration led to a significant elevation in the serum levels of AST, ALT, ALP, and MDA and a reduction in tissue levels of antioxidant enzymes. Conversely, the administration of varying doses of Carvacrol resulted in a significant reduction in the serum levels of AST, ALT, ALP, and MDA, while they significantly increased the tissue levels of GSH, SOD, and CAT in rats with Rif-induced liver lesions. Conclusions: This study is a preliminary investigation of the hepatoprotective properties of Carvacrol against the harmful effects of Rif. A thorough understanding of this compound, the precise determination of its activity, and the pharmacological mechanisms involved require continued future research.