Hepatoprotective effect of Thymus vulgaris L. Extract against Paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in Oryctolagus cuniculus rabbits
Abstract
This study investigated the hepatoprotective effect of Thymus vulgaris L. against paracetamol-induced liver injury in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Fifteen male rabbits were randomly divided into three groups: untreated control, paracetamol- intoxicated (250 mg·kg-1), and paracetamol-intoxicated treated with T. vulgaris extract (250 mg·kg-1). Clinical parameters remained within normal limits across groups. Biochemical analyses revealed significant increases in aspartate aminotransferase and gamma- glutamyltransferase in the paracetamol-intoxicated group, while treatment with T. vulgaris markedly reduced these elevations, restoring values close to controls. Other biochemical markers, renal indices (urea, creatinine), and hematological parameters showed no significant changes, indicating that hepatic function was primarily affected. Histological examination confirmed these findings: livers of the paracetamol-intoxicated group exhibited trabecular disorganization, vacuolization, and necrosis, whereas thyme-treated animals showed largely preserved architecture with attenuated lesions. Renal tissue remained unaltered in all groups. These results demonstrate that T. vulgaris exerts a partial protective effect by limiting paracetamol-induced hepatocellular damage, without altering hematological or renal profiles, supporting its potential as a natural adjuvant against drug-induced hepatotoxicity.
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