Effect of Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis L.) on Fatty Liver Induced by Oxytetracycline in Albino Rats

Abstract
 
With growing burden of liver dysfunction, the use of natural plant products is increasing due to its powerful antioxidant properties, negligible side effects and economical merit. The aim of this work was to assesses the effect of lemon balm leaves powder given at two levels (10 and 20 g/kg/ diet/ day) on oxytetracycline induced fatty liver in rats.  A total of 32 rats weighing 120-130 g were randomly distributed into four groups of eight rats per group. Injected intraperitonealy of oxytetracycline (120 mg/kg body weight/day) for three days produced hepatic damage as manifested by a significant increase in serum hepatic markers namely aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), gamma glutamyl transferse (GGT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), also increased hepatic lipid peroxidation (MAD). The administration of lemon balm (10 and 20 g/kg diet/ day) weekend the oxytetracycline induced hepatotoxicity by the significant decreased levels of serum AST, ALT, GGT, LDH, glucose, TG, TC, LDL-C, urea, creatininie and MDA. It also and significant increase serum total protein, albumin, globulin, HDL-C in lemon balm treated rats compared with untreated