Evaluation of the Protective Effects of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Satureja avromanica Against Malathion-induced Oxidative Stress in the Liver: An Experimental Study

Background: Studies have shown that organophosphorus pesticides such as malathion induces oxidative stress injury and tissue damage.  Objectives: This research aimed to determine the effects of the hydroalcoholic extracts of Satureja avromanica (SA) on the liver function of malathion-poisoned animals. Methods: Twenty-eight rats were divided into four groups of the control, SA (20 mg/kg), malathion+SA, and malathion. Animals received malathion 150 mg/kg and SA 20 mg/kg for one week through intraperitoneal injection. Then, their liver and blood samples were extracted, and alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase concentrations in serum as well as biomarkers of oxidative stress such as Lipid Peroxidation (LPO), Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) and Total Thiol Groups (TTG) in the liver tissue were measured.  Results: The results showed that the SA administration reduced the level of liver LPO compared with that in the malathion group. Also, receiving SA increased liver TAC and TTG levels in rats, which this difference was significant compared with the malathion group. Besides, the SA group showed a significant decrease in liver enzyme levels, compared with the malathion-treated group. Conclusion: According to the results, SA exerted protective effects against malathion poisoning, through reduction of oxidative stress. Therefore, SA may be an antioxidant to counteract the harmful effects of malathion poising in liver tissue.