Objective:

2

To evaluate the protective effect of

Zataria multiflora

extract

an antioxidative medicinal plant

against cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced oxidative lung damage in mice.

Methods:

2

Mice were intraperitoneally pre-treated with various doses of

Zataria multiflora

extract (50

100

200

and 400 mg/kg) once daily for 7 consecutive days. Animals were then injected with a single 200 mg/kg intraperitoneal dose of CP 1 h after the last administration of

O. vulgare

. Twenty-four hours later

mice were euthanized

the lungs were immediately removed

and biochemical and histological studies were conducted.

Results:

2

A single dose of CP markedly altered the levels of several biomarkers associated with oxidative stress in lung homogenates. Pretreatment with

Zataria multiflora

significantly inhibited the elevation of lipid peroxidation level and the depletion in glutathione content

and superoxide dismutase and catalase activities induced by CP in lung. In addition

Zataria multiflora

effectively alleviated CP-induced histopathological abnormality and pulmonary damages in mice lung tissues.

Conclusions:

2

The results reveal that

Zataria multiflora

protects lung tissues from CP-induced toxicity and suggest a role for oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of lung toxicity produced by CP in mice. Because

Zataria multiflora

has been extensively used as an additive agent and is regarded as safe

it may be used concomitantly as a good supplement for reducing organ toxicity in patients undergoing chemotherapy

besides their consolidated ethnopharmacological uses.