Zataria multiflora and its constituent, carvacrol, counteract sepsis‐induced aortic and cardiac toxicity in rat: Involvement of nitric oxide and oxidative stress

BACKGROUND: Zataria multiflora and carvacrol showed various pharmacological properties including anti‐inflammatory and anti‐oxidant effects. However, up to now no studies have explored its potential benefits in ameliorating sepsis‐induced aortic and cardiac injury. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effects of Z. multiflora and carvacrol on nitric oxide (NO) and oxidative stress indicators in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced aortic and cardiac injury. METHODS: Adult male Wistar rats were assigned to: Control, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (1 mg/kg, intraperitoneal (i.p.)), and Z. multiflora hydro‐ethanolic extract (ZME, 50–200 mg/kg, oral)‐ and carvacrol (25–100 mg/kg, oral)‐treated groups. LPS was injected daily for 14 days. Treatment with ZME and carvacrol started 3 days before LPS administration and treatment continued during LPS administration. At the end of the study, the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), NO, thiols, and antioxidant enzymes were evaluated. RESULTS: Our findings showed a significant reduction in the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and thiols in the LPS group, which were restored by ZME and carvacrol. Furthermore, ZME and carvacrol decreased MDA and NO in cardiac and aortic tissues of LPS‐injected rats. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest protective effects of ZME and carvacrol on LPS‐induced cardiovascular injury via improved redox hemostasis and attenuated NO production. However, additional studies are needed to elucidate the effects of ZME and its constituents on inflammatory responses mediated by LPS.