Effects of Matricaria chamomilla L. on lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzyme systems, and key liver enzymes in CCl4-treated rats

In this study, we investigated the effects of Matricaria chamomilla L. extract (MCE) on lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzyme systems, and several liver enzymes in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-treated rats. Rats were divided into five groups. The first group (control group) was fed on standard feed. The rats in the other groups (CCl4, MCE50, MCE100, and MCE200) were injected intraperitoneally with 0.8 mL kg(-1) CCl4. Moreover, rats in the MCE50, MCE100, and MCE200 groups were gavaged with 50 mgkg (1), 100 mgkg (1), and 200 mgkg (1) MCE, respectively. Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, whole blood malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels, and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT) activity levels were measured after 14 days of exposure. ALT and AST in the CCl4 group increased significantly in comparison to the control group (p < 0.001). MCE decreased MDA levels and increased GSH, SOD, and GPx activities. Decreases were observed in CAT activity levels in the CCl4, MCE50, MCE100, and MCE200 groups at different significance levels. In conclusion, the findings suggest that, depending on the dose administered, MCE decreases CCl4-induced damage and consequent oxidative stress in rats; it affects the antioxidant system positively.