Fateme Ahmadi - Department of Histology and Bacteriology, Faculty of para veterinary, Ilam University, Ilam, Iran
Ali Louei Monfared - Department of Histology and Bacteriology, Faculty of para veterinary, Ilam University, Ilam, Iran
Neamatollah Shakarami - Department of Histology and Bacteriology, Faculty of para veterinary, Ilam University, Ilam, Iran

Objective: Sodium nitrite (NaNO۲) is used as a color stabilizer and antimicrobial agent in preservation of cured meat and fish. However, extensive use of this agent in the meat industries increased worries about its detrimental effects on human health. Zataria multiflora (Z. multiflora) is a well-known plant with therapeutic properties in the traditional medicine. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate the protective effect of this plant against sodium nitrite-induced hepatotoxicity.Materials and methods: Thirty-two male Wistar rats were divided into ۴ groups: Control (without any treatment), nitrite (۳۵۰ mg/kg by gavage for ۶۰ days), NaNO۲ plus Z. multiflora (rats treated with NaNO۲ ۳۵۰ mg/kg gavage for ۶۰ days and simultaneously received Z. multiflora extract at ۲۰۰ mg/kg, ip) and Z. multiflora group (rats treated with Z. multiflora extract at ۲۰۰ mg/kg, ip). At the end of the study, rats were euthanized and liver tissue samples were taken and studied under microscopy. Also, serum levels of liver function enzymes and antioxidant defense systems were measured. The results were analyzed using SPSS software and a p<۰.۰.۵ was considered significant.Results: Results showed that NaNO۲ induces liver injuries and altered hepatic histo-architecture. Also, NaNO۲ significantly altered the biochemical profiles and antioxidant defense parameters of the liver. However, treatment with Z. multiflora improved tissue integrity as well as antioxidant defense status and biochemical conditions of the liver.Conclusion: Administration of Z. multiflora extract has beneficial effects on the NaNO۲-induced histological and functional toxicity in the liver.

Z. multiflora Boiss, Histology, Sodium nitrite, Liver