Ameliorative Effects of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Lavandula officinalis L. on Methotrexate-Induced Oxidative Stress in Rats

Background: Methotrexate as a chemotherapy drug can causes chronic liver damage and oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Lavandula officinalis on methotrexate-induced oxidative stress in rats. Methods: In this experimental study, thirty five Wistar male rats weighting 200-250 g were randomly divided into 5 groups (n = 7 in each group). Negative control group (normal saline 5ml/kg); positive control group received normal salin orally for 10 days, and a single dose of methotrexate (MTX, 20mg/kg, i.p.) was administrated on the 9th day. Groups 3-5 received respectively 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg of Lavandula officinalis extract (LOE) orally for 10 days, and a single dose of MTX was injected on the 9th day. 24 h after the last injection, animals were sacrificed. Blood samples were collected to determine serum AST, ALT and ALP levels. Malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH) levels and catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity were assayed in liver tissue. A portion of liver was maintained in 10% formalin for Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining and histological examination. Results: The result obtained from current study was showed a significant increase in the levels of AST, ALT, ALP, MDA and decrease of GSH, CAT and SOD by MTX administration. Pre-treatment with LOE showed reduction in the levels of AST, ALT, ALP, MDA and increase of GSH, CAT and SOD in all doses but the most significant alteration was observed in doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg (P<0.05). Histological results showed that methotrexate could lead to liver damage. Also the hepatoprotective effect of the LOE was confirmed by the histological examination of the liver. Conclusion: Our results indicate that hydroalcoholic extract of Lavandula officinalis have produced amelioration in biochemical and oxidative stress parameters against MTX -induced oxidative stress.