Effects of volatile oil extracts of Anethum graveolens L. and Apium graveolens L. seeds on activity of liver enzymes in rat

Abstract Background: Various products from celery (Apium graveolens) and dill (Anethum graveolens) were used to relieve some of liver dysfunctions in Iranian traditional medicine, yet the potential effects of these two medicinal plants on liver function have not been investigated. Objective: To investigate the effects of volatile oil of these plant seeds on some hepatic enzymes including SGPT, SGOT and ALP in rats and also to identify the active components of volatile oils of these plants by GC/MS. Methods: Following the preparation of volatile oils, rats were intraperitoneally injected by 500 and 1000 μl/kg of oils and the enzyme activity was measured at 6, 24, 48, 72, 96, 120, 144 and 168 hr post-injection. Findings: GC/MS analysis showed that the D-carvon and D-limonen are the major active components in volatile oil of dill and D-limonen and myrcen of celery. Serum activity of SGPT 24h post-injection of dill essence (500 µl/kg), celery essence (500 µl/kg), dill essence (1000 µl/kg) and celery essence (1000 µl/kg) decreased by 12.85, 11.6, 13.7 and 12.6%, respectively. In the same way, the SGOT activity, under the similar conditions, decreased by 8.7, 10.5, 11.6 and 12.9%, respectively. Activity of SGPT, SGOT and ALP 168 hr post-injection of celery essence at dose of 1000 µl/kg, decreased by 21.2, 18.4 and 13.5%, respectively. Injections of dill and celery hydroalcoholic extracts at both doses caused lower enzyme activities. Conclusion: Active ingredients of dill and celery may act as an antioxidant or to decrease the production of free radicals, causing stabilization of hepatocyte membrane and decreasing the release of enzymes into the blood.