Evaluation of the protective effect of liquorice, curcumin, and marjoram on oxidative stress in CCL4 hepatotoxicity in rats

Variety of pathological factors can cause hepatic injury. Carbon tetrachloride (CCL4) causes acute hepatotoxicity by stimulating the production of reactive oxygen species. Increased oxidative stress frequently coexists with liver disorders. Cellular deterioration of proteins, lipids, and DNA can result from oxidative stress, evidenced by high amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and an imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants. This work was carried out to evaluate the protective effect of Liquorice, Curcumin and Marjoram on CCl4 in experimental animals and its effect against oxidative stress. Total 60 male rats were separated into six equal groups. Group 1 (normal control). Group 2 (CCL4-intoxicated group), Group 3 (CCL4 + liquorice group), Group 4 (CCL4 + curcumin group), Group 5 (CCL4 + marjoram group), Group 6 (CCL4 + Mixture of 3 previous plants co-treated group). When the experiment is finished rats were sacrificed and Liver tissue samples were taken to examine oxidative enzymes. Administration of CCl4 causes significant increases in hepatic contents of malondialdhyde (MDA), and reduction in antioxidant enzyme concentrations: Reduced Glutathione (GSH), Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). While, Liqurice, Curcumin and Marjoram cotreatment returned these biochemical parameters to their normal values. Therefore, liquorice, curcumin, and marjoram may be useful in preventing liver damage caused by CCl4. The strong antioxidant activity of these plants may be the main factor mediating their hepatoprotective effects.