Protective Effects of <i>Myrtus communis</i> Essential Oil Against Bisphenol A‐Induced Metabolic Dysfunction‐Associated Fatty Liver Disease in Wistar Rats

Endocrine disruptors such as bisphenol A (BPA) are increasingly associated with metabolic disorders, including metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MASLD). This preclinical study investigates the effect of BPA on liver function and lipid metabolism in Wistar rats and evaluated the protective potential of <i>Myrtus communis</i> essential oil (EOMC) and vitamin E (Vit E). MASLD was induced in Wistar rats by oral administration of BPA (100 mg/kg/day) for 30 days. Rats were co-treated with EOMC at doses of 50,100, or 200 mg/kg body weight, or Vit E at 100 mg/kg. Liver and kidney function markers, lipid profiles, oxidative stress parameters, and organ histology were assessed. BPA exposure significantly increased plasma liver enzymes (AST: 195,76 ± 4,47 U/L, ALT: 91,05 ± 0,58 U/L) and lipid levels (triglycerides: 1,30 ± 0,13 g/L) compared to controls, and elevated oxidative stress markers, including malondialdehyde (MDA). Co-treatment with EOMC improved these parameters in a dose-dependent manner. At 200 mg/kg, EOMC reduced plasma triglycerides 0,62 ± 0,09 g/L, corresponding to an approximate 52% decrease compared to the BPA-only group, along with an approximately 84% reduction in hepatic MDA levels. Liver histology confirmed marked attenuation of steatosis and hepatocellular damage. Vitamin E showed similar protective effects, though slightly less pronounced. Both EOMC and Vit E demonstrated potential in mitigating against BPA-induced MASLD. These findings indicate that EOMC may have a protective effect against fatty liver changes in this experimental model, but further studies are needed to confirm its relevance in humans.