The hepatoprotective activity of caraway essential oil (Carum carvi L.) against iron oxide nanoparticles induced toxicity in Wistar rats

The current study was designed to evaluate the potential of chemopreventive activity of Carum carvi L. essential oil against the liver injuries induced by iron oxide nanoparticles in Wistar rats. In this study, twenty Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups. Control group was received only DMSO soluble; non-treated group was received iron nanoparticles (Fe2O3), pretreatment group was received iron nanoparticles (Fe2O3) plus caraway essential oil in two different doses 100 and 200 mg/kg b.w (E.O100 and E.O200). 72 hours after injection, the liver and blood tissues of rats were separated. Liver injuries were determined by biochemical parameters such as glutation (GSH), lipid peroxidation (LP), total antioxidant capacity (FRAP) and also antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). Histopathology analysis also assessed the different degrees of liver damage. The injection of iron oxide nanoparticles significantly reduced FRAP and GSH levels, but considerably increased LP level. In contrast, pretreatment rats with caraway essential oil improved the levels of GSH and LP significantly to normal levels. Pathological consequences also represented a decrease in the liver necrosis. The caraway essential oil protected the liver against oxidative damages induced by iron nanoparticles, and the liverprotection effect associated with the antioxidant activities of the essential oil.