Role of rosemary officinalis in hepatotoxicity induced by Chlorpyrifos sub-chronic exposure in rats

Chlorpyrifos is a worldwide used organophosphorus pesticide. In addition to controlling the cholinesterase enzyme, this toxicant also theatres significant role in oxidative stress and augmented oxidants.  Whereas, extracted rosemary is an antioxidant and plays a protective role against free radicals. Therefore, the object of this study was to investigate the reduction of liver damage caused by chlorpyrifos through the effect of rosemary extract on the oxidative stress of this pesticide.                      

Methods and Materials:

 In this study, 30 male Wistar Rats, weighing 200-220 g were used. The animals (Rats)were randomly divided into five groups, each group containing six rats for further comparison; Group І: served as control, Group П: the Chlorpyrifos exposure group (13.5 mg / kg single dose), Group Ш: the group exposed to Rosemary extract (100 mg / kg), Group ІV: the exposure group with the toxicant (13.5 mg / kg dose) and Rosemary (100 mg / kg concentration), Group V: simultaneous exposure of toxicant and rosemary (200 mg / kg oral dose). After 30 days, the Rats were weighed, killed and the liver tissue was histologically examined and changes in MDA and GPx were reviewed.

The results of statistical tests showed that Chlorpyrifos significantly damaged the liver tissue and altered the activity of glutathione peroxidase and malondialdehyde compared to the control group, as well as the simultaneous exposure to CPF and rosemary extract can significantly make modifications to GPx and MDA levels and mitigate the CPF damage.

According to the results, rosemary extract can reduce the oxidative stress caused by Chlorpyrifos and this plant can be used to treat poisoning caused by this toxic pesticide.