ABSTRACT
Aims: Liver diseases have become one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality all over the world. This study investigated the hepatoprotective and antioxidant effect of rosemary essential oil (REO) and ginger essential oil (GEO), against paracetamol-induced liver damage. Methodology: The hepatoprotective effects of REO and GEO at doses of 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg, respectively, orally for 7 days were determined by assessing serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in mice. Their livers were then used to determine myeloperoxidase (MPO) enzyme activity. In vitro antioxidant activity of REO and GEO were evaluated by assessing the free radical 2, 2-diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•)-scavenging activity and lipid peroxidation. Results: REO and GEO reduced the levels of the serum marker enzymes AST, ALT, and MPO activity. The essentials oils also exhibited antioxidant activity, reflected by its DPPH radical-scavenging effects and in the lipid peroxidation assay. Conclusion: These results suggest that REO and GEO have hepatoprotective effects on acetaminophen-induced hepatic damage in mice probably due to their antioxidant effect.