Protective effect of carvacrol from Thymus quinquecostatus Celak against tert-butyl hydroperoxide-induced oxidative damage in Chang cells

Carvacrol is a monoterpenic phenol present in Thymus quinquecostatus Celak. The protective effects of carvacrol against tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP)-induced oxidative damage were investigated in human Chang cells. Cells treated with carvacrol extracts promoted Chang cell survival and protection was associated with stabilization of the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), prevention of oxidative stress-triggered reactive oxygen species (ROS), and lipid peroxidation (MDA production). In addition, Annexin V/PI, observed using Hoechst staining, indicated that carvacrol inhibited t-BHP-induced cell damage and stimulated the antioxidant capability of Chang cells due to elevation of glutathione (GSH) levels, which were reduced by t-BHP treatment. Carvacrol prevented oxidative stress-induced Chang cell damage via suppression of ROS and MDA levels, and increased GSH levels.