Background: This research aimed to evaluate the protective effects of methanolic extract of Zataria Multiflora Boiss (Z. Multiflora) against hepatic damage induced by cisplatin in male Wistar rats.

Methods: Hepatotoxicity was induced in Wistar male rats by a single intraperitoneal administration of cisplatin, 7 g/ kg body weight. A methanolic extract of Z. Multiflora was administered orally at doses of 50 mg/ kg, 100 mg/ kg, 200 mg/ kg and 400 mg/ kg body weight daily for seven days after being cisplatin-induced. The study included the histopathological examination of the liver sections. The activity of aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were evaluated as markers of liver damage. The superoxide dismutase (SOD), the activity of Catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) content in serum were measured as an oxidative stress factor.

Results: The results showed that rat treated with cisplatin resulted in a significant increase in serum activity, AST, ALT and ALP in treated mice. Management with Z. Multiflora reduced the business of these enzymes to nearly normal levels. In parallel with these changes, this extract reduced cisplatin-induced oxidative stress by inhibiting lipid peroxidation and protein carbonylation, and restoring the antioxidant enzyme (SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px) and elevation of the glutathione level.

Conclusion: Biochemical and histological observations showed the hepatoprotective effect was found in a dose-dependent manner in Z. Multiflora methanolic extract. This protective effect can be attributed to the antioxidant compounds.