Potential preventive role of Iranian Achillea wilhelmsii C. Koch essential oils in acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity

BACKGROUND: The essential oil of Achillea wilhelmsii C. Koch (100 & 200 mg/kg b.w, i.p) was evaluated against acetaminophen induced hepatic injuries in rats. For this purpose, the activities of cytochrome P450 (CYP450), glutathione s-transferase (GST) and markers of liver injuries (ALT, AST, ALP) together with level of GSH measured analytically in time intervals (2, 4, 8, 16 & 24 h) after treatments confirmed by histophatological consideration in rat livers. RESULTS: Administration of acetaminophen (500 mg/kg bw, i.p) significantly increased the activity of CYP450 concomitant with increasing the release of ALT and AST. Whereas, GSH level and GST activity were decreased significantly after acetaminophen treatment. Treatment of rats with Achillea wilhelmsii essential oils significantly modulate these parameters to normal values. Also, histophatological analysis of liver biopsies was consistent with the biochemical findings. CONCLUSION: The data led us to conclude the curative potential of Achillea wilhelmsii essential oils against APAP induced hepatic injuries. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1999-3110-55-37) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.