Study of the protective effect of hydroalcoholic extract microemulsion of Teucrium polium. L against bromobenzene -induced hepatotoxicity in mice

Liver is a major organ of the body, which can be exposed to various chemicals, drugs and many other xenobiotics such as bromobenzene. The aim of this study was to find out the protective effect of hydroalcoholic extract microemulsion of Teucrium polium against hepatotoxicity induced by bromobenzene. Animals were divided into eight groups, with ten animals in each group. Group 1-3 received respectively normal saline; base of microemulsion and extract microemulsions in dose of 400 mg/kg orally for 10 days. Group 4 received bromobenzene (0.36 ml/kg, ip) only on the 10th day; groups 5-8 received extract microemulsions orally in doses of 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg respectively, during 10 days and bromobenzene (0.36 ml/kg, ip) on the 10th day 1 hour after last dose of extract. 24 hours later, the animals were bled and enzymes ALT, AST and ALP were measured. Animal liver was removed for histological studies. The results showed a significant increase in liver enzyme activity by bromobenzene. The treated groups with Teucrium polium showed a significant decrease in liver enzyme activity in doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg (P<0.05). Histological observations also confirmed the results. The results revealed that hydroalcoholic extract microemulsion of Teucrium polium has protective effect on liver toxicity induced by bromobenzene