Histopathological and Biochemical Effects of Thyme Essential Oil on H₂O₂ Stress in Heart Tissues

Thymus algeriensis (T. algeriensis) is traditionally used in Tunisia to treat many human diseases. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether terpenes extracted from the aerial parts of T. algeriensis are potent cardioprotective agents for hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced cardiotoxicity in rats.

Thirty (30) rats were divided into six groups as per the experimental design: control (n = 6); 0.1 mmol/L H₂O₂ (LD H₂O₂) (n = 6); 1 mmol/L H₂O₂ (HD H₂O₂) (n = 6); oily fraction of T. algeriensis (OFTS) (180 mg/kg b.wt) (n = 6); OFTS + 0.1 mmol/L H₂O₂ (n = 6); and OFTS + 1 mmol/L H₂O₂ (n = 6).

The H₂O₂ demonstrated concentration-dependent cardiotoxic effects in vitro. While, exposure of rats to OFTS significantly depleted H₂O₂-induced protein oxidation and lipid peroxidation, it raised antioxidant defence enzymes, and protected against H₂O₂-induced histopathological alterations. The antioxidant potential of the thyme essence was assessed by both enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants.

In conclusion, OFTS may be a potential compound for the therapy of oxidative stress-induced heart disease.