Effects of essential oil of Satureja khuzestanica on the oxidative stress in experimental hyperthyroid male rat

This work analyzes the effects of Satureja khuzestanica essential oil (SKEO) on the thyroid and antioxidant system, assessed by measuring levels of tri-iodothyronine (T۳), thyroxine (T۴), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity. Forty adult male Sprague Dawley rats (۲۲۵ ± ۲۵ g) were divided into five equal groups: one control and four hyperthyroid groups that received placebo, ۲۰۰ mg kg-۱ body weight of vitamin (Vit.) E, ۲۲۵ mg kg-۱ body weight of SKEO, ۲۰۰ and ۲۲۵ mg kg-۱ body weight of Vit. E and SKEO together, respectively. Hyperthyroidism was induced by administering of L-thyroxin in drinking water. After ۳۰ days of L-thyroxin consumption, serum T۳ and T۴ levels, TSH, and oxidative stress indices were determined. Significant increase in serum T۳, T۴ and MDA concentrations with a simultaneous significant decrease in TSH, GSH level and GPx activity were observed in hyperthyroid group (p <۰.۰۵). In the treatment groups, SKEO and/or Vit. E can compensate serum MDA elevation and GPx activity reduction. Only, SKEO + Vit. E could compensate the decline of GSH levels in response to hyperthyroidism. Supplementation of SKEO, plus Vit. E as antioxidants is useful in attenuating lipid peroxidation and may potentially benefit hyperthyroid patients.

Keywords:

essential oil , Experimental hyperthyroidism , Glutathione , malondialdehyde , Satureja