The effect of carvacrol on blood pressure and blood cell number in lead-exposed rats

Lead intoxication impairs oxidant/antioxidant balance that can be partially responsible for the toxic effects of lead in the various organs of body especially cardiovascular system. On the other hand, carvacrol, as major component of thyme plant, has a variety of properties including antioxidant ones. The main objective of this study was to investigate the effects of carvacrol on blood pressure and some blood parameters in lead-poisoned rats. In this study, 40 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups. The first group was control, the second group was poisoned with lead, and three lead poisoned groups receiving carvacrol at doses of 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg/daily. The blood pressure was monitored weekly by tail plethysmography coupled to a computer system. At the end of experiment, blood samples were obtained to assess some hematological parameters (RBC, Hb, Hct, and WBC). The mean blood pressure in lead exposed group was significantly higher than that of control group from the 21st day of the study. Carvacrol caused a decrease in hypertension in the lead poisoned rats. This deceasing was consistent throughout the experiment. Some blood parameters (RBC, Hb, Hct, and WBC) were decreased in lead exposed rats. These changes were prevented in the lead groups receiving carvacrol. According to the result of this study, it may be concluded that carvacrol could improve some lead induced changes in the cardiovascular system.