EVALUATION OF THE THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS OF MENTHA SPICATA ESSENTIAL OIL AT THE LIVER LEVEL IN DEVELOPING WISTAR RATS CO-EXPOSED TO LEAD AND MANGANESE

Abstract

The objective of this study is to evaluate, on the one hand, the changes in hepatotoxicity induced by lead and manganese according to a biochemical and histological experimental approach in developing Wistar rats and, on the other hand, to test the effectiveness of mint essential oil (Mentha spicata) in restoring or not the harmful effects of the metals studied. by an intraperitoneal injection of 0,1 ml HEM/kg/day for a period of 21 days. The characterization of this essential oil by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry indicates that the major components are: Carvone (42.2%), Menthone (20.89%), Piperitenone (17.41%) and Isomenthone (7.99%). The results of liver biochemical assays (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, albumin, total cholesterol, and triglyceride) show a correction of values following the administration of essential oil compared with those of co-exposed animals. Analysis of the antioxidant status in the hepatocyte indicates that this oil has restored the activity of the various antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase (SOD: 0,87 U/mg), glutathione peroxidase (GPx: 38,62 U/mg), and catalase(CAT: 20,73 U/mg)). In fact, the histological study undertaken illustrated a clear improvement in liver tissue architecture in rats intoxicated and treated with oil, which justifies the great importance of Mentha spicata in traditional medicine and these therapeutic virtues.