Comparative Study of Marjoram (Origanum majorana L.) and Silymarin (Silybum marianum L.) against Hepatic Injury Induced by Carbon tetrachloride in Rats

Abstract

Liver diseases are a worldwide health problem with acute liver injury associated with high mortality rates. The acute liver injury is known to involve a complex role of oxidative stress, apoptosis, inflammation and necrosis. Carbon tetrachloride (CCL4) is a strong hepatotoxic agent causing hepatic necrosis, and is widely used in animal models for induction of acute and chronic liver injury. The hepatotoxic effect induced by CCL4 could be reduced by treatment with dietary phytochemicals and antioxidants such as silymarin and marjoram. Origanum majorana (Marjoram) is an important source of flavonoids and antioxidants. In addition to its nutritional value, marjoram is very important for its medicinal value and it is employed for the treatment of different ailments in medicine