Origanum majorana L. extract alleviates dexamethasone-induced hepatotoxicity, oxidative stress and pathological alterations in vivo

Abstract

Abstract Background Origanum majorana (O. majorana) is one of the most widely used herbs in Egypt due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-genotoxic, antimutagenic, anticoagulant and beneficial properties. Our study's main goal is to determine how well O. majorana leaf extract can reduce hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress produced by dexamethasone (DXM). Thirty female rats were divided into three groups of ten. Animals in group1 received distilled water daily for eight weeks and served as control. Those in group 2 exposed subcutaneously to 0.1 mg/kg body weight of DXM three times per week for eight weeks and served as the toxic group, while those in group 3 were treated daily and orally with 100 mg/kg of O. majorana aqueous extract + 0.1 mg/kg of DXM three times per week for eight weeks and served as treated group. Results Due to DXM treatment, the activities of liver function markers were significantly elevated (P < 0.0001), whereas O. majorana pretreated animals improved or reduced the elevated liver function enzyme activities. Dexamethasone administration considerably enhancing oxidative stress which rose (P < 0.0001) MDA concentration and attenuated the antioxidant defense system by decreasing the activities of GST, GSP, GSR, and CAT significantly in liver homogenate when compared to control animals. The results further demonstrated that pretreatment with O. majorana boosted the antioxidant defenses against the damaging effects of DXM. Conclusion It can be said that dexamethasone exposure induced- hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress in rats that repaired by O. majorana aqueous extract which had the ability to reduce the impact of hepatic damage. To evaluate the health benefits and safety of O. majorana in individuals, more clinical research is needed. Graphical abstract