Bioactive Compounds in Teucrium Polium: A Key to Neutralizing Mercury Toxicity in the Liver

Abstract

This study Teucrium polium (T. polium) aqueous extract was evaluated for its protective effects against mercury chloride (HgCl₂)-induced oxidative stress and liver damage in rats. Forty rats were divided into four groups: control, HgCl₂-intoxicated (2 mg/kg), HgCl₂-intoxicated treated with T. polium extract (125 mg/kg), and a group receiving only T. polium extract. HgCl₂ exposure significantly reduced body weight and increased liver injury markers, including alanine aminotransferase (ALT) by 65.89% and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) by 38.95%. Triglycerides and total protein levels dropped by 28.23% and 25.51%, respectively, while cholesterol and albumin levels remained unchanged. Histopathological analysis showed severe hepatic damage with necrotic lesions and inflammation. T. polium extract mitigated these effects by lowering ALT and AST levels, restoring biochemical parameters, reducing oxidative stress, and improving antioxidant enzyme activity. Histological analysis confirmed reduced hepatic damage in treated rats. However, no improvements were observed in body or liver weight. Despite this, T. polium demonstrated strong hepatoprotective effects against HgCl₂-induced toxicity, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic agent for mercury-related liver damage.