Potential protective effect of marjoram and basil leaves against monosodium glutamate induced hepatotoxicity in rats

Monosodium glutamate(MSG)consumed as a flavor enhancer or food additive.It is known to have some adverse effects in humans and experimental animals. It is metabolized in liver and eliminated through the kidney So that, the present study was carried out to study the hepatoprotective effect of some herbs (marjoram and basil) on MSG in experimental rats. Thirty-six male albino rats weighing 130 ± 20 g were used in this study and divided into six main groups, ( 6 rats each),Group (1),as negative control group(-v) received basal diet throughout the experiment period, (for 38 days ) while group (2):as positive control group (+v) received basal diet for 28 days then administered daily to MSG ( 0.6 mg/g body wt.)by gavage for 10 days to induce hepatotoxicity, group(3)and group(4):received basal diet containing marjoram leaves powder (5%) and ( 10 %) ,respectively for 28 days then administered daily to MSG (0.6 mg/g body wt) by gavage for 10 days,group(5)and group(6):received basal diet containing basil leaves powder(5%)and( 10% ),respectively for 28 days then administered daily to MSG(0.6mg/g body wt)by gavage for 10 days.In addition,a histopathological examination for the liver was done.The results revealed that MSG in the(v+)control group increased relative organ weight, serum liver enzymes, total cholesterol and triglycerides,LDL,VLDL,MDA and serum glucose,while decreased in BWG%, serum proteins ,serum HDL,serum Superoxide Dismutase(SOD),and Glutathione Peroxidase(GPx In conclusion, the consumption of basil and marjoram (5 and 10%) could be used for improving liver function and protect liver from oxidative stress induced by mono sodium glutamate.