Essential oils of green cumin and chamomile partially protect against acute acetaminophen hepatotoxicity in rats.

Essential oils of green cumin (Cuminum cyminum) and chamomile (Chamomilla recutita) have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Acetaminophen, N-acetyl-p-amino-phenol, is an over-the-counter analgesic and antipyretic. Despite being safe at therapeutic doses, acetaminophen overdose is a leading cause of acute liver failure. This study aimed to compare the possible protective effects of cumin and chamomile essential oils against acute acetaminophen hepatotoxicity in male rats. Cumin oil (400 mg/kg) and chamomile oil (250 mg/kg) were orally administered for 2 weeks prior to a single acetaminophen dose (1g/kg). Serum liver function enzymes, oxidative stress markers in the liver and histopathological features were evaluated. Acetaminophen caused marked damage to hepatocytes evidenced by a significant rise in the levels of liver function enzymes, including alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase, and disruption to the liver antioxidant protective system. Whereas the cumin oil normalized acetaminophen-induced liver enzymes elevation, the chamomile oil slightly attenuated the increase in alanine aminotransferase levels in acetaminophen-intoxicated rats. The Chamomile oil moderately ameliorated glutathione depletion and the decrease in superoxide dismutase activity in the liver of acetaminophen-administered rats. The Cumin oil preserved the liver structure to a greater extent than chamomile oil in acetaminophen-intoxicated rats. Essential oils of cumin and chamomile partially counteracted acute acetaminophen hepatotoxicity.