Thyroid regulating and hepatobiliary protective actions of Thymus vulgaris. L in rat model

Abeir A. Shalaby; Hoda I. Bahr

Volume : VI, Issue : I, January - 2016

Thyroid regulating and hepatobiliary protective actions of Thymus vulgaris. L in rat model

Abeir A. Shalaby, Hoda I. Bahr

Abstract :

The present investigation was designed to investigate the curative and protective effect of thyme supplementation on thyroid and liver status in propylthiouracil (PTU) –induced hypothyroidism. Rats were divided into 4 groups; group I control euthyroid, group II rendered hypothyroid by administration of 0.1% (w/v) PTU in their drinking water for 90 days, group III received thyme extract orally 0.5% (w/v) for 90 days after hypothyroidism induction. Group IV, thyme extract supplemented prior hypothyroidism induction for 30 days and continue after hypothyroidism induction for 90 days. Hypothyroidism–induced elevation in serum TSH and reduction in T3, T4 level. An elevation in liver enzyme leakage, hepatic oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammatory markers were observed. Nevertheless, thyme supplementation only after hypothyroidism induction can alleviate thyroid function and hepatic oxidative damage completely. In contrary, thyme administration before and after hypothyroidism induction regulated thyroid function and restored hepatic antioxidant capacity toward the normal. The present study suggests that supplementation of thyme extract displays a prophylactic role against hypothyroidism and hepatobiliary protective effects.